Types of stone for your construction

March 28, 2024 Luciano Bertene

Using stone in the construction of a building is considered an environmentally friendly form of construction as there is less waste and pollution. However, there is a higher cost involved in using stone in any type of construction. That said, the higher cost of stone will ensure that the benefits of using these materials are greater than you could ever imagine.

Main types of stone you will use in the construction industry

Building stones such as granite, marble, basalts, sandstone, limestone, gneiss, laterite and slate offer a number of distinct advantages for a variety of construction applications. These advantages include exceptional durability, weather resistance, local availability, low cost, sustainability, ease of molding, thermal and acoustic insulation, sophisticated aesthetics, application versatility, low maintenance and property appreciation.

Each type of stone has unique characteristics that make it suitable for different construction needs, from wall and floor coverings to paving roads and building support structures.

Granite

Granite is part of the igneous rock category and is composed of quartz and orthoclase, as well as tourmaline, mica, hornblende, and other smaller pieces of minerals. This type of stone is rough to the touch and the pieces are quite large. You will mostly see lighter colors in granite stone and it often has an irregular appearance. That's not to say the colors aren't attractive, and you're almost guaranteed to find a color you'll love. Granite also has a shiny appearance if you take the time to polish it.

Granite is very strong and durable and resists moisture, frost and most other elements. However, there is a disadvantage to using granite: it is not fire resistant.

Durability: Granite is known for its exceptional durability, being able to withstand harsh weather conditions and the wear and tear of time.
Heat resistance: Due to its mineral composition, granite is highly resistant to heat, making it an ideal choice for applications in kitchens and outdoor areas.
Variety of Colors and Patterns: Granite is available in a wide range of natural colors and patterns, allowing for a variety of design options.
Easy maintenance: Granite is easy to clean and maintain, generally requiring only mild soap and water for daily cleaning.
Stain Resistance: When sealed properly, granite is stain resistant, making it suitable for applications in areas prone to spills.
Scratch resistance: Granite is resistant to scratches and scratches, maintaining its appearance over time.
Real Estate Appreciation: Granite is often valued in real estate properties due to its beauty and durability, which can increase a home's resale value.

Marble

Marble is a rock with a layered structure and limestone composition. This metamorphic rock is naturally formed from limestone and the main mineral is calcite. The surface of this stone has uniform grains and you will find this stone in almost every color, whether it is all white, somewhere in between, or all black.

As long as you choose quality marble, you can easily use it in construction, as well as in decorative areas.

Elegant aesthetics: Marble is known for its natural beauty and elegance and is widely used in interior design projects due to its sophisticated appearance.
Variety of colors and patterns: Like granite, marble is available in a wide variety of natural colors and patterns, allowing for significant customization in terms of design.
Natural Cooling: Marble tends to remain cool to the touch, making it a popular choice for applications in warmer climates or areas where natural cooling is desired.
Durability: Despite being softer than granite, marble still has good durability when well maintained, making it suitable for use in low-traffic areas.
Ease of Machining: Marble is relatively easy to cut and carve, which allows for a wide variety of custom shapes and designs in architectural applications.
Heat resistance: Although not as heat resistant as granite, marble still has a good heat tolerance, making it suitable for use in kitchens and food preparation areas.
Long-lasting investment: Due to its association with luxury and quality, marble is often considered a long-lasting investment that can increase a property's resale value.
Versatility of application: Marble is used not only in floors and countertops, but also in wall coverings, sculptures, fireplaces and other decorative elements, demonstrating its versatility in different applications.
Polished finish: Marble can be polished to create a shiny, elegant finish that further enhances its natural beauty and provides a luxurious look.
Historical connection: Marble has a long history of use in sculpture and architecture since ancient times, lending a sense of history and prestige to spaces where it is used.

Basalts

Basalts are also called trap basalts and come from volcanic igneous rocks that formed after the eruption of lava from volcanoes. There is a wide variation in the composition of minerals in this type of stone, but most contain hornblende and Augite. When you look at these types of stones, you will notice that they are very porous and can have cavities in the least expected places. This does not normally cause problems, but can occur in very humid areas.

Most basalt stones are darker in color, due to the mineral composition, but you can find some lighter colors if you look closely. These stones are also quite hard and durable, as well as resisting most elements unless there are numerous large cavities. The disadvantage of using basalt stones is that they are very difficult to shrink or change shape, which causes problems when placing them where they are needed.

Exceptional Durability: Basalts are known for their high strength and durability, making them suitable for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications.
Wear resistance: Due to their dense mineral composition, basalts are highly resistant to wear and abrasion, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.
Low porosity: Basalts have low porosity, which makes them more resistant to water absorption and less prone to stains and moisture damage.
Application versatility: Basalts can be used in a wide range of applications, from wall and floor coverings to countertops, street paving and retaining wall construction.
Heat resistance: Basalts have good heat resistance, making them suitable for use in areas exposed to intense sun or close to heat sources.
Modern aesthetic: With their dark color and uniform texture, basalts offer a modern, contemporary aesthetic that can complement a variety of design styles.
Low maintenance: Due to their durability and resistance, basalts require little maintenance other than regular cleaning with neutral soap and water.
Sustainability: Basalts are an environmentally friendly option as they are a natural and durable rock that does not require chemicals or intensive processes to produce.
Dimensional stability: Basalts have a high dimensional stability, which means they maintain their shape and structural integrity over time, even in adverse conditions.
Chemical Resistance: Basalts are resistant to most common chemicals, making them suitable for use in industrial or laboratory environments where exposure to corrosive substances is a concern.

Sandstone

Sandstone is a type of sedimentary rock with a siliceous composition. The main mineral in sandstone is quartz, but you will also find small particles of felspar, mica, and some other darker minerals. Most of the time within civil construction you find cemented sandstone, which makes it more suitable and durable for your needs.

You'll find sandstone in a variety of colors, but the main ones include pink, red, brown, white, and gray. The best sandstone for construction will not have thin layers and must be rich in quartz and use siliceous cement.

Variety of colors and textures: Sandstone is available in a wide range of natural colors, including shades of beige, brown, red and gray, and offers a variety of textures that can add visual interest to any space.
Affordable: Compared to some other natural stones, sandstone is generally more affordable, making it an attractive option for projects on a budget.
Ease of Cutting and Shaping: Sandstone is relatively easy to cut and shape, allowing for a wide variety of custom designs in architectural and landscaping applications.
Natural Texture: The granular texture of sandstone gives it a natural, rustic appearance that can add charm and character to any space.
Compressive strength: Despite its porosity, sandstone is known for its good compressive strength, making it suitable for structural and paving applications.
Thermal and acoustic insulation: Due to its porous structure, sandstone has natural thermal and acoustic insulation properties, which can help regulate temperature and reduce noise in a space.
Low maintenance: Sandstone requires little maintenance other than regular cleaning with mild soap and water, making it a practical choice for residential and commercial projects.
Slip resistance: When used on paved surfaces, sandstone offers good slip resistance, providing a safe surface for pedestrians and vehicles.
Adaptation to different design styles: Due to its versatility in terms of color, texture and finish, sandstone can adapt to a variety of design styles, from rustic and traditional to modern and contemporary.
Longevity: With proper care and maintenance, sandstone can last for decades, maintaining its beauty and structural integrity over time.

Limestone

Limestone is composed of calcium carbonate and typically has a stratified structure. The calcite in limestone is what makes up approximately ninety-nine percent of some pieces, but most pieces are composed primarily of magnesium carbonate. Some limestone may contain fossils and is always soft due to the finer texture.

The color of limestone varies, being found in pure white and gray and darker colors. The color is basically decided based on the types of minerals that the piece contains the most. Some varieties of limestone should not be used in the construction industry, but others are perfect for buildings. The ones you want to use must be free from cracks and cavities and must also be compact. You can polish the limestone you are using to make it look its best.

Although you may think that you will never use limestone for construction, you may want to think again because it is a popular material used to make cement.

Variety of colors and patterns: Limestone offers a wide variety of colors and patterns, including shades of beige, brown, gray and even some brighter colors, which allows for great flexibility in terms of design.
Natural beauty: Limestone has a distinct natural beauty, with patterns and veins that can add character and elegance to any space, whether indoors or outdoors.
Ease of cutting and shaping: Limestone is a relatively soft stone compared to other natural stones, which makes it easy to cut and shape, allowing for a wide range of custom designs.
Thermal insulation: Limestone has natural thermal insulation properties, helping to keep indoor environments cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Local availability: In many regions, limestone is an abundant and locally available stone, which can reduce transportation costs and make it a sustainable option for construction projects.
Wear resistance: Despite being a softer stone, limestone is durable and wear resistant, making it suitable for flooring and covering applications that are not subject to heavy traffic.
Versatility of Application: Limestone is widely used in a variety of applications, including flooring, wall coverings, fireplaces, building facades and even sculptures, due to its versatility and natural beauty.
Low maintenance: Limestone requires little maintenance other than regular cleaning with mild soap and water, making it a practical choice for residential and commercial spaces.
Historic character: Limestone has been used in architecture for centuries, which brings a sense of history and tradition to any space where it is used.
Affordable: Compared to some other natural stones, limestone is often more affordable, making it an economical choice for a variety of construction and design projects.

Gneiss

Gneiss is another metamorphic rock and looks a lot like granite. However, there is greater variation when it comes to its mineral composition, as it depends on the rock from which it came. As long as the stone you choose has a thick crystal and a uniform texture, you should have no problem using it for construction. However, without these things, you may want to choose another type of stone or you will be very disappointed with the results.

Variety of colors and patterns: Gneiss comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including shades of gray, pink, green, black and even some more vibrant colors, providing diverse options for design.
Natural beauty: Gneiss is known for its unique natural beauty, with banded and veined patterns that can add character and elegance to any room, both indoors and outdoors.
Exceptional Durability: Gneiss is a highly tough and durable metamorphic rock capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions and the wear and tear of time, making it suitable for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications.
Wear resistance: Due to its hardness and strength, gneiss is highly resistant to wear, making it an ideal choice for flooring, wall coverings and other applications subject to high traffic.
Ease of machining: Despite its hardness, gneiss is relatively easy to cut and shape, allowing for a variety of custom designs in architectural and landscaping applications.
Thermal insulation: Gneiss has natural thermal insulation properties, helping to regulate the temperature in indoor environments and create a feeling of comfort.
Versatility of application: Due to its durability and natural beauty, gneiss is widely used in a variety of applications, including flooring, wall coverings, countertops, stairs, and even decorative elements.
Chemical Resistance: Gneiss is resistant to most common chemicals, making it suitable for use in industrial or laboratory environments where exposure to corrosive substances is a concern.
Low maintenance: Gneiss requires little maintenance other than regular cleaning with mild soap and water, making it a practical choice for residential and commercial spaces.
Aesthetic appreciation: Due to its natural beauty and durability, gneiss is often valued in design and construction projects, adding aesthetic value and increasing the visual appeal of any environment.

Laterite

Aluminum and iron oxides make up the majority of laterite, which is a sedimentary rock. This type of stone is basically created when alkaline igneous rocks chemically decompose and form a porous, spongy appearance.

All laterites are somewhere between light and dark red and the colors you find will depend on how much iron the stone contains in its composition. This type of stone is used in basic construction, but can also be used as a material for roads.

Weather Resistance: Laterite is known for its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, high temperatures and humidity, making it a robust choice for construction in tropical and subtropical environments.
Local availability: Often found in abundance in tropical and subtropical regions, laterite can be easily sourced locally, reducing transportation costs and making it an affordable option for construction.
Low cost: Due to its abundance and local availability, laterite is generally an economical option for building roads, housing and other infrastructure, helping to reduce total project costs.
Sustainability: As it is a natural rock found on the construction site, laterite reduces the need to transport materials, which helps to minimize the environmental impact associated with construction, making it a sustainable option.
Ease of molding: Laterite is relatively easy to shape when wet, allowing for construction that is more flexible and adaptable to different design needs, which can result in time and cost savings during the construction phase.
Thermal insulation: Due to its porous structure, laterite has natural thermal insulation properties, helping to keep indoor environments cooler in hot and humid climates, which can result in energy savings in refrigeration systems.
Good adhesion: The rough and porous texture of laterite provides good adhesion, making it suitable for paving and road surfacing, ensuring the safety and stability of surfaces.
Versatility of application: Laterite can be used in a variety of applications, including road construction, housing, retaining walls, support structures and landscaping, demonstrating its versatility and usefulness in civil construction.

Slate

Slate is another metamorphic rock and has a very distinct foliated base structure. The texture of this type of stone is so fine that you can barely see the small particles when you put it under a microscope. Slate can be used for many different things in the construction industry, but the stone's thickness and color will prevent you from using it everywhere.

Slate can't handle a lot of moisture, and while thicker layers are good for some things, they can't be used for everything. If you have thinner sheets of dark slate, consider them for roofing, but keep them away from thresholds and sidewalks.

Exceptional Durability: Slate is known for its exceptional durability, making it a popular choice for roofing, wall coverings and paving that require long-term strength.
Weather resistance: Slate is highly resistant to weather, including rain, snow, frost and UV rays, making it suitable for use in outdoor environments subject to adverse weather conditions.
Low water absorption: Slate's low water absorption makes it resistant to stains, mold and deterioration caused by moisture, ensuring a longer lifespan and requiring less maintenance over time.
Thermal and acoustic insulation: Slate has natural thermal and acoustic insulation properties, helping to regulate internal temperatures and reduce noise in buildings, providing additional comfort for occupants.
Sophisticated aesthetics: Slate is valued for its natural beauty, with a variety of colors and textures that can add elegance and sophistication to any architectural project, both indoors and outdoors.
Application versatility: Slate can be used in a wide range of applications, including roofs, wall coverings, floors, fireplaces, countertops and even decorative elements, demonstrating its versatility in construction.
Low maintenance: Due to its durability and strength, slate requires little maintenance other than regular cleaning, making it a practical and economical choice for residential and commercial projects.
Property appreciation: The presence of slate in a property can increase its market value, as it is often associated with high quality and long-lasting materials, giving a feeling of luxury and exclusivity to the environment.

There are so many different types of stones you can use in the construction industry, but these are the ones you will see the most. Each offers benefits while also offering at least one disadvantage when it comes to being used in buildings.

You should find the type of stone that best suits your needs, rather than the one that suits you. This will be difficult as you will continue to feel attraction towards the one you love, but if you want the best results you must choose the one that will give you the best result.