Important Building Stones

GRANITE
Granite, from igneous rock, is a very hard, crystalline, and primarily composed of
feldspar, quartz accompanied by one or more dark minerals. It is visibly homogeneous
in texture.

The term "Granite" means "grain" in Latin word "Granum" because of its granular
nature.

Granite is the hardest building stone, and granite slabs and granite tiles occupy a
prominent place among dimensional stones. Due to its hardness, resistance to
weathering, capability to take mirror polish, fascinating colors and textural patterns,
granite slabs and granite tiles are extremely popular.

The principal characteristics of granite also include high load bearing capacity,
crushing strength, abrasive strength, amenability to cutting and shaping without
secondary flaws, ability to yield thin and large slabs and - above all - durability.

Due to highly dense grain, it is impervious to stain. Polished granite slabs and
granite tiles have achieved a special status as building stones globally. Granite is also
used for wall cladding, roofing, flooring, and a variety of other interior and exterior
applications.

India is one of the largest producers of granites blocks and processed granite
slabs and granite tiles. Granites from leading Indian exporters are listed here.

Physical Properties of Granite

Physically, commercial granites are Hard, Compact rocks with fine to coarse
grains of metamorphic or igneous origin.

Hardness 6 to 7 on Moh's Scale

Density 2550-2650kg/m3
Compressive Strength 1000-2500kgf/cm2
Modulus of Rupture 15 to 25 N/mm2
Water Absorption 0.5-1.2%
Average Wear Less then 1%
Porosity 01.0.5%
Weather Impact Resistant
Chemical Properties of Granite

Chemically, they are igneous/metamorphic rocks composed of quartz, feldspar &

ferromagnesian minerals like kriolite, chlorite, garnet, etc. A typical granite will have
following chemical composition:

Silica (SiO2) 70-75%

Al2O3 10-15%
CaO+MgO Less then 0.5%
FeO + Fe2O3 2-4%
Alkalies 4-6%
TiO2 Less then 0.5%
Loss On Ignition (LOI) Less then 0.5%

Uses of Granite

Roadstone, building blocks, but has poor resistance to fire as it crumbles when
exposed to intense heat.

Traditionally the main use of black granite is in tombstones and other monumental
items, and to a lesser extent for various types of counters, especially in the financial
world, decorative applications, elegant trimmings and luxury floorings.

Stones on bolo cord slides and pendants, paperweights, bookends, lazy susan
turntables, etc.

Ocurrances of Granite

ChimakurthyMandal, PrakashamDist, Andhra Pradesh

Elandur, KollegalTaluk, Chamarajanagar District
KesamudramMandal, Warangal Dist, Andhra Pradesh
Chinnanagarm Village, NellikuduriMandal, Warangal Dist, Andhra Pradesh
BalugaonTaluk, Kurda District in Orissa
KulathurTaluk, Pudukkottai District of Tamil Nadu
KazipetMandal, Warangal District, Andhra Pradesh
BolangirTaluk, Bargadh District in Orissa
White Granite quarry at Jalampaly, Vizag Dist. Andhra Pradesh
Marble quarry at Sidhavatam, Kadapa Dist., Andhra Pradesh
Marble quarry at Umpavally, Koraput Dist., Orissa
Yellow Granite quarry at Palghot, Kerala
Yellow Granite quarry at Bolangir, Orissa
Kummam, Karsanur, Tindivanam, Paitur, Atur in Tamil Nadu
Charmarjanagar and Kollelgal in Karnataka and Warrangal in Andhra Pradesh
 MARBLE
Marble, formed from limestone with heat and pressure over years in the earth's
crust. These pressure or forces cause the limestone to change in texture and makeup.
The process is called recrystallization. Fossilized materials in the limestone, along with
its original carbonate minerals, recrystallize and form large, coarse grains of calcite.

Impurities present in the limestone during the recrystallization period affect the
mineral composition of the marble which is formed. At relatively low temperatures, silica
impurities in the carbonate minerals form masses of chert or crystals of quartz. At
higher temperatures, the silica reacts with the carbonates to produce diopside and
forsterite. At a very high temperatures, rarer calcium minerals, such as larnite,
monticellite, and rankinite, forms in the marble. If water is present, serpentine, talc,
and certain other hydrous minerals may be produced. The presence of iron, alumina,
and silica may result in the formation of hematite and magnetite.

The minerals that result from impurities give marble a wide variety of colors. The
purest calcite marble is white in colour. Marble containing hematite are reddish in color.
Marble that has limonite is yellow, and marble with serpentine is green in colour.

Marble does not split easily into sheets of equal size and must be mined with
care. The rock may shatter if explosives are used. Blocks of marble are mined with
channeling machines, which cut grooves and holes in the rock. Miners outline a block of
marble with rows of grooves and holes. They then drive wedges into the openings and
separate the block from the surrounding rock. The blocks are cut with saws to the
desired shape and size.

Physical Properties of Marble

Physically, these are recrystallized, Hard, Compact, fine to very fine grained
metamorphosed rocks capable of taking shining polish.

Hardness 3 to 4 on Moh's Scale

Density 2.55 to 2.7 Kg/cm3
Compressive Strength 700-2000kg/cm3
Modulus of Rupture 12 to 18 N/mm2
Water Absorption Less than 0.5%
(except Rainforest Green/Brown with 2-3%)
Porosity 0.5-2.0%
Weather Impact Resistant
Chemical Properties of Marble

Chemically, they are crystalline rocks composed predominantly of calcite,

dolomite or serpentine minerals. The other minor constituents vary from origin to
origin.Chemically Green marble has 38-40% Sio2, 34-38% MgO, 2-3% Al2O3, 5-6% Iron
Oxides,1-2% CaO& 12-13% LOI.

Marble and other calcareous stones, are referred to as acid sensitive. Calcareous
stones are readily dissolved in acid, therefore acidic products should not be used on
limestone and marbles.

There are several types of marbles, including calcites (from calciferous

limestone), dolomites (from dolomite limestone), serpentines (typically green marbles)
and travertine (sedimentary limestone). Each of these is similar in their composition,
that being predominantly calcium carbonate, and their capability to take a polish.

Lime (CaO) 38-42%

Silica (SiO2) 20-25%
Alumina (Al2O3) 2-4%
Other Oxides like Na, Mg 1.5 to 2.5%
Loss On Ignition (LOI) 30-32%

Uses of Marble

Marble has always been highly valued for its beauty, strength, and resistance to
fire and erosion. The ancient Iranian & Greeks were good user of marble in their
buildings and statues. The Italian artist Michelangelo used marble from Carrara, Italy, in
a number of sculptures. Marble from Tennessee was used in parts of the National
Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The Lincoln Memorial, also in Washington, was built
of marble from Alabama, Colorado, and Georgia.

Very pure calcite marble is used for most statues. They are translucent. Large
blocks of colored marble are used for columns, floors, and other parts of buildings.
Smaller pieces of marble are crushed or finely ground and used as abrasives in soaps
and other such products. Crushed or ground marble is also used in paving roads and in
manufacturing roofing materials and soil treatment products.

Textures of Marbles

Marbles show variety of textures on account of existing minerals & re-

crystallization patterns. Texture depends upon form, size, uniformity of grain
arrangements. Marbles can be classified on the basis of the following factors :-
Calcite Marble - Mostly CaCo3; MgCo3<0.50%
Dolomite Marble - Having > 40% MgCo3
Magnesium Marble - MgCo3 between 5 to 40%
Serpentine Marble - remobilised marble due to the effect of Thermodynamic
metamorphic wherein serpentine is prominent
Onyx Marble - Lime carbonate deposition on account of cold water solution activity

Impurities in Marble

The following are the major mineral impurities in marble:

 Quartz
 TremoliteActinolite
 Chert
 Garnet
 Biotite
 Muscovite
 Microline
 Talc
 Fosterite

The following are the major chemical impurities in marble:

 SiO2
 Fe2O3
 2Fe2O3
 3H2O
 Limonite
 Manganese
 Al2O3
 FeS2(pyrite)

On account of the mineral composition of marble the colour variations

Ocurrances of Marble

India Masaron Ki Obri, Rishabhdeo (Kesariyaji), Udaipur, Rajasthan

NaiParbati, Amet, Dist. Rajsamand, Rajasthan
Manpura, Dhariyawad, Dist. Udaipur
Sidhavatam, Kadapa Dist., Andhra Pradesh
Umpavally, Koraput Dist., Orissa

LIMESTONE
 Limestone is calcareous sedimentary rocks formed at the bottom of lakes and
seas with the accumulation of shells, bones and other calcium rich goods. It is
composed of calcite (CaCO3). The organic matter upon which it settles in lakes or seas,
are preserved as fossils. Over thousands and millions of years, layer after layer is built
up adding weight. The heat and pressure causes chemical reaction at the bottom and
the sediments turn into solid stone, the limestone.

The rock which contain more than 95% of calcium carbonate is known as high-
calcium limestone. Recrystallised limestone takes good polish and is usually used as
decorative and building stone.

A part of calcium molecules if being replaced by magnesium, it is known as

magnesium lime stone or dolomite limestone.

Limestone that will take a polish are considered marbles by most people, but
technically, if there are still shells visible or the structure is not crystalline, it is still a
limestone.

Physical Properties of Limestone

Physically, Limestone’s are quite impervious, Hard, Compact, fine to very fine grained
calcareous rocks of sedimentary nature.

Hardness 3 to 4 on Moh's Scale

Density 2.5 to 2.7 Kg/cm3
Compressive Strength 200-2000kg/cm2
Water Absorption Less than 1%
Porosity 5-20%
Weather Impact Resistant

Uses of Limestone

 Flooring
 Wall cladding
 Vanity tops
 Furniture
 Cement Production
 RefiningMetals
 Blackboard chalk

Chemical Properties of Limestone

 Chemically, they are calcareous rocks principally of calcic minerals with minor
amounts of alumina, ferric & alkaline oxides.

Lime (CaO) 38-42%

Silica (SiO2) 15-18%
Alumina (Al2O3) 3-5%
MgO 0.5 to 3%
FeO + Fe2O3 1-1.5%
Alkalies 1-1.5%
Loss On Ignition (LOI) 30-32%

Note :-Limestone, like marble and other calcareous stones, are referred to as acid
sensitive. Calcareous stones are readily dissolved in acid, therefore acidic products
should not be used on limestone and marbles.

Ocurrances of Limestone

India Khasi, Jayantia and Garo Hills of Meghalaya

Satnalimstone belt, Madhya Pradesh

SANDSTONE
 Sandstone is a sedimentary rock group which is mostly made up of tiny grains of
quartz. Most sandstone is formed in oceans, lakes and rivers where tiny bits of rock and
dirt settle to the bottom. Year after year, these layers of sand get buried under tons of
more sand and dirt until it is turned into solid rock. Sandstone can be found in many
colors.

Physical Properties of Sandstone

Physically, they are very Hard, Compact, Fine grained, equi-granular

homogeneous rocks of sedimentary nature (Sandstone)

Color Minor color tonal variations exist but within the tolerance
limit.
Hardness 6.5 to 7 on Moh's Scale
Density 2.3 to 2.6 Kg/cm3
Compressive Strength 200-2000kg/cm2

Modulus of Rupture 16-40 N/mm2

Porosity 5-25%
Weather Impact Resistant

Chemical Properties of Sandstone

Chemically they are very resistant Mono-Mineralic rocks, principally composed of

silica. The other minor constituents vary from origin to origin.

SiO2 95-97%
Iron (Fe2O3) 0.5%-1.5%
Alumina (Al2O3) 1 to 1.5%
Soda (Na2O) & Potash Less then 1%
(Kro)
Lime (CaO) Less then 0.5%
Magnesia (MgO) Less then 0.5%
Loss On Ignition (LOI) Less then 0.5%

They are highly resistant to acids, alkalies and thermal impact. Insolubility in acids and
alkalies is about 97%.

Teakwood and Rainbow sandstones differ from above physical properties

Hardness 6 to 6.5 on Moh's Scale

Density 2.07 to 2.11 Kg/cm3
Compressive Strength 41 to 63 N/mm2

Modulus of Rupture 7-11 N/mm2

Water Absorption 8.0 - 11 %

Porosity Comparatively Porous

Weather Impact Resistant

Uses of Sandstone

 Manufacturing of plate glass, fine table glassware, and common glassware.

 Crushed in concrete and asphalt to fill in dike and jetty construction.
 Rough and weathered sandstone is used as fireplaces, walls, and walkways.
 As decorative stones.
 As bookends, clocks, paperweights, coaster, etc.
 As flooring or paving material.
 Load bearing masonry
 Sandstone slabs and sandstone tiles are used in cladding.
 In chemical industries as flooring, wall fixing and lining due to its acid and alkali
resistant properties.
 It is ideal for carving and architectural uses as pillars, arches, garden furniture,
fountains, landscaping products and stone arts & crafts.
 Sandstone blocks are used as foundations and stonewalls.
Ocurrances of Sandstone

India Bari Railway station in Bharatpur district

Jodhpur, Kota, Sawai, Madhopur, Bundi, Bikaner, and Bhilwara
Indore, Damoh, Bilaspur, Rewa, Nimar, Sagar, Satna,
Raigar,andShahdol districts in Madhya Pradesh
Dholpur, Sawaimadhopur, Chittorgarh, Nimbhahera, Jhalawar,
Pali and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan
Kynshi River, West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya
BagiaNala, Bargarh district in Chattisgarh
Sitla Mata, Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh
Dhauladhar and siwalik range of the himalayan in Hinachal
Pradesh
 SLATE
Slates are dense and fine grained rock. The colour of slates are generally gray,
red, brown and green ranging from dark to light. It is produced by the compression of
clays, shale, and various other rocks developing a characteristic cleavage consisting
sericite and quartz with biotite, chlorite, and hematite as principal accessories.
In other words slates are generally formed by low-grade regional metamorphism
of pelithic sediments or fine-grained tuffs. It can be associated with other metamorphic
sedimentary or volcanic rocks.Slates are or argillaceous origin of metamorphic rocks
and can also be defined as a layered stone. Fossils may be sometimes preserved in
slate but are invariably distorted. Folds are often apparent in the field. Too fine-grained
are tough to distinguish with the naked eye.

Physically these are Metamorphic-Argillaceous rocks, which has developed a well-

marked splittable cleavages with or without developed recrystallization & spots/knots of
minerals like garnet, pyrite, andulasite, etc. They are normally fine to medium grained,
moderately hard & compact, less homogeneous with varying textures & shades. It has
an ability to split into thin layers along the plane of cleavages due to flattened &
elongated minerals along the plane of cleavage

Physical Properties of Slate

Hardness 3.0 to 4.0 on Moh's scale
Density 3
2.6 to 2.8 Kg/cm
Modulus of Rupture 2
22 to 34 N/mm
Compressive Strength 2
24 to 36 N/mm
Specific Gravity 2.65 to 2.80
Porosity Low to very low
Water Absorption 1.5 to 2%
Weather Impact Resistant
Corrodibility 0.4 to 0.7%
Slate-Chemical Properties
Chemically they are Multi-Mineral, metamorphic argilaceous rocks made of an
aggregate of minerals and colloidal substances. Essentially mineral composition includes
quartz, mica, chlorite, sericite& oxides of iron with occasional spots/knots of minerals
like garnet, pyrite, andulasite, etc. It is fairly resistant to acids and staining

SiO 55-65%
2
Iron (Fe O ) 4%-8%
2 3
Alumina (Al O ) 15 to 20%
2 3
Soda (Na O) & Potash (K O) 2-4%
2 2
Lime (CaO) 0.5-1%

Magnesia (MgO) 0.5-3%

TiO 0.4-0.5%
2
Loss On Ignition (LOI) 3-4%

Slate-Uses
 Stepping stone in garden

 Combined with other materials gives quality and attractiveness

 Square blocks for a break band in section of granite paving

 Decorative clocks and thermameters

 Picture frame, mirrors, coasters, trivets, switch plates, candle holders.

 Engraved and painted in jewellery like earrings and pins.

Slate-Indian Occurance
Khanyara slate quarries are situated 11 to 15 Km. North East of Dharamshala,
Distt. Kangra (Himachal Pradesh)Chamba district Himachal Pradesh.