Type of Stones
Stones used for civil engineering works may be classified in the following three ways:
• Geological
• Physical
• Chemical
Geological Classification
Based on their origin of formation stones are classified into three main groups—Igneous, sedimentary
and metamorphic rocks.
(i)Igneous Rocks:
These rocks are formed by cooling and solidifying of the rock masses from
their molten magmatic condition of the material of the earth. Generally igneous rocks are strong and
durable. Granite, trap and basalt are the rocks belonging to this category, Granites are formed by slow
cooling of the lava under thick cover on the top. Hence they have crystalline surface. The cooling of
lava at the top surface of earth results into non-crystalline and glassy texture. Trap and basalt belong to
this category.
(ii)Sedimentary Rocks:
Due to weathering action of water, wind and frost existing rocks
disintegrates. The disintegrated material is carried by wind and water; the water being most powerful
medium. Flowing water deposits its suspended materials at some points of obstacles to its flow. These
deposited layers of materials get consolidated under pressure and by heat. Chemical agents also contribute
to the cementing of the deposits. The rocks thus formed are more uniform, fine grained and compact in
their nature. They represent a bedded or stratified structure in general. Sand stones, lime stones, mud
stones etc. belong to this class of rock.
(iii)Metamorphic Rocks:
Previously formed igneous and sedimentary rocks under go changes
due to metamorphic action of pressure and internal heat. For example due to metamorphic action granite
becomes greisses, trap and basalt change to schist and laterite, lime stone changes to marble, sand stone
becomes quartzite and mud stone becomes slate.
Stones used for civil engineering works may be classified in the following three ways:
• Geological
• Physical
• Chemical
Geological Classification
Based on their origin of formation stones are classified into three main groups—Igneous, sedimentary
and metamorphic rocks.
(i)Igneous Rocks:
These rocks are formed by cooling and solidifying of the rock masses from
their molten magmatic condition of the material of the earth. Generally igneous rocks are strong and
durable. Granite, trap and basalt are the rocks belonging to this category, Granites are formed by slow
cooling of the lava under thick cover on the top. Hence they have crystalline surface. The cooling of
lava at the top surface of earth results into non-crystalline and glassy texture. Trap and basalt belong to
this category.
(ii)Sedimentary Rocks:
Due to weathering action of water, wind and frost existing rocks
disintegrates. The disintegrated material is carried by wind and water; the water being most powerful
medium. Flowing water deposits its suspended materials at some points of obstacles to its flow. These
deposited layers of materials get consolidated under pressure and by heat. Chemical agents also contribute
to the cementing of the deposits. The rocks thus formed are more uniform, fine grained and compact in
their nature. They represent a bedded or stratified structure in general. Sand stones, lime stones, mud
stones etc. belong to this class of rock.
(iii)Metamorphic Rocks:
Previously formed igneous and sedimentary rocks under go changes
due to metamorphic action of pressure and internal heat. For example due to metamorphic action granite
becomes greisses, trap and basalt change to schist and laterite, lime stone changes to marble, sand stone
becomes quartzite and mud stone becomes slate.
