A variety of rocks are used in building projects.
Building stone, also referred to as dimension stone, comes from one of three types of rock, which occur naturally in the ground. It is important to understand how different rock types are created as this determines their durability, hardness and appropriate uses in construction projects. If the wrong type of rock is used, walls could collapse, flooring could crack and roof tiles could quickly become damaged by the weather.
Metamorphic Rocks
Metamorphic rocks are hard and non-porous, meaning that water cannot filter through them. Metamorphic rocks are formed when an existing rock changes shape or size due to intense heat and/or pressure. The metamorphic rock marble is used in high-end construction projects, where it is made into kitchen counter tops and luxury flooring tiles. The formation of marble is rare and so it is seen as an expensive, luxury item in construction. Another metamorphic rock, slate, is more commonly used. Typically it is made into tiles for roofs.
Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary rocks are formed when pieces of rock, sand and shell settle in layers, typically on sea beds. Over many years these become compacted together to form a new rock which is soft and porous (allows water to filter through it). The porous rock sandstone is strong and durable and so it is often used in construction to make flooring and both white and red sandstone walls. Sandstone has been used to build walls for centuries, with famous examples including the Red Fort in India. The different shades and patterns of sandstone means that it is also used for building garden products such as patios, garden and crazy paving and its heat resistant nature means that it is frequently used to build fireplaces, where its color matches the fire in the grate.
Igneous Rock
Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling of molten magma (lava), typically in a volcano. The strength of the rock depends on how quickly the magma cools. Granite is an igneous rock. Its hard and durable nature means that it is often used to make countertops, tiles for floors and knobs and handles for cupboards. In the 1970's in the U.K. granite was used to build the walls of tower blocks. However, this architectural style has now gone out of fashion as it made cities unattractive with little variation in color.
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