Chemical Classification of stone
On the basis of their chemical composition engineers prefer to classify rocks as:
• Silicious rocks
• Argillaceous rocks and
• Calcareous rocks
(i)Silicious rocks:
The main content of these rocks is silica. They are hard and durable. Examples
of such rocks are granite, trap, sand stones etc.
(ii)Argillaceous rocks:
The main constituent of these rocks is argil i.e., clay. These stones are
hard and durable but they are brittle. They cannot withstand shock. Slates and laterites are examples of
this type of rocks.
(iii)Calcareous rocks:
The main constituent of these rocks is calcium carbonate. Limestone is a
calcareous rock of sedimentary origin while marble is a calcareous rock of metamorphic origin.
On the basis of their chemical composition engineers prefer to classify rocks as:
• Silicious rocks
• Argillaceous rocks and
• Calcareous rocks
(i)Silicious rocks:
The main content of these rocks is silica. They are hard and durable. Examples
of such rocks are granite, trap, sand stones etc.
(ii)Argillaceous rocks:
The main constituent of these rocks is argil i.e., clay. These stones are
hard and durable but they are brittle. They cannot withstand shock. Slates and laterites are examples of
this type of rocks.
(iii)Calcareous rocks:
The main constituent of these rocks is calcium carbonate. Limestone is a
calcareous rock of sedimentary origin while marble is a calcareous rock of metamorphic origin.
