Building Stones: Properties, Types,
Tests, and Preservation
1. Properties of Good Building Stone
• Strength – Should have high compressive strength to withstand load.
• Durability – Should resist weathering (rain, wind, freeze-thaw).
• Hardness – Must resist wear and abrasion.
• Toughness – Should withstand impact loads.
• Porosity – Low porosity is ideal to prevent water absorption.
• Workability – Should be easy to cut, dress, and shape.
• Appearance – Should have a pleasing color and texture.
• Resistance to Fire – Should not disintegrate or crack under high temperatures.
• Specific Gravity – Higher specific gravity indicates denser and stronger stone.
• Cost – Should be economical considering durability and availability.
2. Types of Rocks Based on Silica Content
Type of Rock Silica Content Example
Acidic Rocks > 65% silica Granite, Rhyolite
Intermediate Rocks 55–65% silica Diorite, Andesite
Basic Rocks 45–55% silica Gabbro, Basalt
Ultrabasic Rocks < 45% silica Peridotite, Dunite
3. Deterioration of Stone
• Weathering – Repeated wetting and drying or freeze-thaw cycles weaken stone.
• Chemical Action – Acid rain or pollution reacts with stone minerals.
• Biological Growth – Algae, moss, and lichens trap moisture.
• Salt Crystallization – Salts deposited in pores cause cracking on crystallization.
• Mechanical Wear – Traffic, abrasion, or improper handling can damage stone.
• Improper Workmanship – Poor installation or mortar joints can lead to decay.
4. Prevention, Protection, and Preservation of Stone
Measures to prevent or reduce deterioration and maintain stone quality:
• Proper Site Selection – Use stones appropriate for local environment.
• Surface Treatment – Apply sealers or water repellents.
• Good Drainage – Prevent water stagnation on stone surfaces.
• Regular Cleaning – Use gentle methods to clean without harming the surface.
• Repointing – Replace damaged mortar joints with compatible new mortar.
• Crack Repair – Fill cracks with appropriate fillers or resins.
• Biocide Treatment – Prevent or remove biological growth.
• Sheltering – Protect heritage structures with shelters if needed.
5. Types of Stone Finishes
• Polished – Glossy, mirror-like; enhances color; used in interiors.
• Honed – Smooth, matte; less slippery; good for wet areas.
• Sandblasted – Textured, frosted look; good for exterior pavements.
• Bush-Hammered – Rugged surface; non-slip and used outdoors.
• Flamed – Rough surface due to heat treatment; used in granite.
• Leathered – Textured with a soft sheen; hides fingerprints.
• Natural/Split Face – Rough, natural texture; good for rustic looks.
• Tumbled – Aged look with rounded edges; used for antique appearance.
• Shot-Blasted – Coarse texture for slip resistance.
• Thermal – Similar to flamed; creates a rough anti-slip surface.
6. Tests on Stone – With Methods, Formulae & IS Codes
Test Name Purpose Method/ Formula Acceptable IS Code
Description Values
Crushing Compressive Stone cube σ = Load / >100 IS:1121
Strength strength under Area N/mm² (Part 1) –
compression 1974
testing
machine
Hardness Abrasion Dory’s - Hardness > IS:2386
Test resistance machine or 14 (Part 4) –
Mohs scale 1963
Water Porosity/ Dry weight [(W2- <5% IS:1124 –
Absorption water vs weight W1)/ 1974
resistance after 24hr W1]×100
immersion
Acid Test Acid Soaked in - No reaction IS:1122 –
resistance 1% 1974
HCl/H2SO4
for 7 days
Attrition Wear Rotated in (W1-W2)/ Minimal loss IS:2386
Test resistance drum with W1×100 (Part 4) –
abrasive 1963
charge
Toughness Impact Hammer No. of Blows Index > 13 IS:2386
Test resistance blows until (Part 4) –
failure (Page 1963
machine)
Specific Density Weight in air W1/(W1- >2.7 IS:1122 –
Gravity vs water W2) 1974
Fire High temp Heated at - No IS:1125 –
Resistance behavior 600–800°C cracks/spalli 1974
ng
Freezing & Frost Multiple (W1-W2)/ No damage IS:1126 –
Thawing resistance freeze-thaw W1×100 1974
cycles
Microscopic Grain Viewed - Uniform IS:1130 –
Exam texture under texture 1969
check microscope
