Characteristics of stones
In order to ensure suitable selection of stone of particular work, one must be conversant with its composition, characteristics, uses and place of availability.
Granite
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Igneous rock
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Composed of quart, feldspar and mica and minerals
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Available in grey, green, brown and pink and red
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Hard and durable
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High resistance to weathering
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The texture varies with its quality
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Specify gravity 2.7 and compressive strength 700 to 1300 kg/cm2
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Used for ornamental, road metal, railway ballast, aggregate for concrete; for construction of bridges, piers and marine works etc.
Balast
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Igneous rock
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It is compact, hard and heavy
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3.Available in red, yellow grey, blue and greenish black colour
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Specific gravity is 3 and compressive strength varies 1530 to 1890 kg/cm2.
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Used for ornamental, rail road ballast, aggregates for concrete etc.
Sand Stone:
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Sedimentary rock
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It is available in variety of formations fine grained, coarse grained compact or porous
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Available in white, green, blue, black, red and yellow.
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Specific gravity 2.65 to 2.95
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Compressive strength is 650kgs / cm2
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Used for ashlars works
Lime Stone:
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Sedimentary rock: It is available in a variety of forms which differ from one another in colour Compaction, texture, hardness and durable
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Compact lime stone
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Granular lime stone
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Magnesia lime stone
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Kanker lime stone
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Used for paving, road metal, etc
Marble
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Metamorphic rock
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Available in white, blue, green, yellow black and red colour
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High compactness,
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Suitable for decorative works, wall lining columns, pile, table slabs, hearths, tiled floors, steps of stair case etc.
Slate:
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Metamorphic rock
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Non absorbent, compact fine grained and produce metallic ringing sound when struck
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Available in black, dark blue, grey, reddish brown etc.
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Used for providing damp proof course, paving dados etc