Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Building Stones

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Stone in Architecture

Abstract

Most historic structures and many of our recent buildings have been constructed from natural stone. This chapter gives an overview of available natural stone resources and trends in building stone extraction. It documents the various uses of stone from an architectural point of view, showing historic and recent examples in more than a hundred color photos depicting construction periods from prehistoric to recent times. Besides describing the uses of stone, the chapter also provides information on the main rock-forming minerals, their properties and classification, which enables an easier identification of the various stones. Richly illustrated sections outline the main rock groups from igneous and metamorphic to sedimentary rocks, allowing the reader to understand their origin, to recognize various rock types and compare their potential use. Fabric differences, colors, shades and tints of stones and their appearance on facades are also illustrated, helping the reader to distinguish between various types of commercially sold “granites” and “marbles”. By providing detailed descriptions of most stone types with an explanation on their origin, mineralogy, fabric and their potential application, the chapter clarifies the misuse of commercial names and the improper use of stone in engineering and architectural practice. This is often derived from the misidentification of available stones and limited knowledge of stone properties.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 189.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Amoroso GG, Fassina V (1983) Stone decay and conservation. Elsevier, Amsterdam

    Google Scholar 

  • Beck K, Al-Mukhtar M (2008) Formulation and characterization of an appropriate lime-based mortar for use with a porous limestone. Environ Geol 56:715–728

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Börner K, Hill D (2007) Große Enzyklopädie der Steine: CD-ROM. Abraxas Verlag, Hasede

    Google Scholar 

  • Borradaile GJ, Bayly MB, Powell CMA (1982) Atlas of deformational and metamorphic rock fabrics. Springer, New York

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Bowen NL (1928) The evolution of igneous rocks. Princeton University Press, Princeton

    Google Scholar 

  • Brodie K, Fettes D, Harte B et al. (2007) Towards a unified nomenclature in metamorphic rocks. 3. Structural terms including fault rock terms. Recommendations by the IUGS subcommission on the systematics of metamorphic rocks. http://www.bgs.ac.uk/SCMR/docs/papers/paper_3.pdf. Accessed 20 July 2010

  • Bruno R, Paspaliaris I (eds) (2004) Ornamental and dimensional stone market analysis. Osnet edition, Athen

    Google Scholar 

  • Bucher K, Frey M (2002) Petrogenesis of metamorphic rocks. Springer, Berlin

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Cassar J (2002) Deterioration of the globigerina limestone of the Malteses Island. In: Siegesmund S, Weiss T, Vollbrecht A (eds) Natural stone, weathering phenomena, conservation strategies and case studies. Geological Society Special Publication 205, London, pp 33–49

    Google Scholar 

  • Cavallo A, Bigioggero B, Colombo A et al (2004) The Beola: a dimension stone from the Ossola Valley (NW Italy). Per Miner 73:85–97

    Google Scholar 

  • Choquette PW, Pray LC (1970) Geologic nomenclature and classification of porosity in sedimentary carbonates. AAPG Bull 54:207–250

    Google Scholar 

  • Coutinho J, Kräutner H, Sassi F et al. (2007) Towards a unified nomenclature in metamorphic petrology—8. Amphibolite and granulite. Recommendations by the IUGS Subcommission on the systematics of metamorphic rocks. http://www.bgs.ac.uk/scmr/docs/papers/paper_8.pdf. Accessed 20 July 2010

  • Cox KG, Bell JD, Punkhurst RJ (1979) The interpretation of igneous rocks. George Allen & Unwin Publishers, London

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Cross W, Iddings JP, Pirsson LV et al (1902) A quantitative chemico–mineralogical classification and nomenclature of igneous rocks. J Geol 10:555–690

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Drüppel K (2003) Petrogenesis of the Mesoproterozoic anorthosite, syenite and carbonatite suites of NW Namibia and their contribution to the metasomatic formation of the Swartbooisdrif sodalite deposits. Ph.D. thesis University of Würzburg, Würzburg

    Google Scholar 

  • Dunham RJ (1962) Classification of carbonate rocks according to depositional texture. In: Ham WE (ed) Classification of carbonate rocks. AAPG Memoir 1, Tulsa

    Google Scholar 

  • Embry AF, Klovan JE (1972) Absolute water depths limits of late devonian paleoecological zones. Geol Rundschau 61:672–686

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • EN 12440:2000 Natural stone—denomination criteria

    Google Scholar 

  • EN 12670:2001 Natural stone—terminology

    Google Scholar 

  • EN 1341:2006 Slabs of natural stone for external paving. Requirements and test methods

    Google Scholar 

  • EN 1342:2009 Setts of natural stone for external paving. Requirements and test method

    Google Scholar 

  • EN 1343:2009 Kerbs of natural stone for external paving. Requirements and test methods

    Google Scholar 

  • European Commission (1998) European minerals yearbook 1996–1997. 2nd edn. EU, Luxemburg

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisher RV (1961) Proposed classification of volcaniclastic sediments and rocks. Bull Geol Soc Amer 72:1409–1414

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher RV, Smith GA (1991) Volcanism, tectonics and sedimentation. In: Fischer RV, Smith GA (eds) Sedimentation in volcanic settings. Society for Sedimentary Geology Special Publication 45, Tulsa

    Google Scholar 

  • Fitzner B, Heinrichs K, Volker M (1996) Stone deterioration of monuments in Malta. In: Pancella R (ed) Proceedings of the 1995 LCP Congress ‘Preservation and restoration of cultural heritage’. Laboratoire de Conservation de la Pierre, Dèpartement des Matèriaux, Ecole Polytechnique Fèdèrale Lausanne, Lausanne

    Google Scholar 

  • Flügel E (2004) Microfacies analysis. Springer, Berlin

    Google Scholar 

  • Folk RL (1962) Spectral subdivison of limestone types. In: Ham WE (ed) Classification of carbonate rocks. AAPG Memoir, 1, Tulsa

    Google Scholar 

  • Founti M (ed) (2004) Stone for construction and architecture—from extraction to the final product. Osnet editions, Athen

    Google Scholar 

  • Grimm WD (1999) Beobachtungen und Überlegungen zur Verformung von Marmorobjekten durch Gefügeauflockerung. Z dtsch geol Ges 150(2):195–235

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamblin WK (1989) The earth’s dynamic systems—a textbook in physical geology. MacMillan, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Hill D (2007) Werkstoff Naturstein aus Sicht der Architekten. Z dtsch Ges Geowiss 158/4:701–707

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffmann A (2007) Naturwerksteine Thailands: Lagerstättenerkundung und Bewertung. Diss Univ Göttingen, Göttingen

    Google Scholar 

  • Hutton DHW, Siegesmund S (2001) The Ardara granite: reinflating the balloon hypothesis. Z dtsch Geol Ges 152:309–324

    Google Scholar 

  • Kay RW, Mahlburg Kay S (1986) Petrology and geochemistry of the lower continental crust: an overview. In: Dawson JB, Carswell DA, Hall J et al. (eds) The nature of the lower continental crust. Geological Society of London, Special Publication 24, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Lamberghini A, Fiora L, Alciati L (2000) Il cielo dell’ Argentina nel marmo Azul. L’informatore del marmista, 464:6–12

    Google Scholar 

  • Le Maitre RW (ed) (1989) A classification of igneous rocks and glossary of terms. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Le Maitre RW, Streckeisen A, Zanettin B (eds) (2004) Igneous rocks: a classification and glossary terms. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Lu P, Latham JP (1999) Developments in the assessment of in-situ block size distributions of rock masses. Rock Mech Rock Eng 32(1):29–49

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mecceri M, Molli G, Conti P et al (2007) The carrara marbles (Alpe Apuane, Italy): a geological and economical updated review. Z dtsch Ges Geowiss 158(4):719–735

    Google Scholar 

  • Mehnert KR (1968) Migmatites and the origin of granitic rocks. Elsevier, Amsterdam

    Google Scholar 

  • Montani C (2003) Stone 2002—world marketing handbook. Faenza, Gruppo Editoriale Faenza Editice, Faenza

    Google Scholar 

  • Montani C (2005) Stone 2004—world marketing handbook. Faenza, Gruppo Editoriale Faenza Editice, Faenza

    Google Scholar 

  • Montani C (2008) Stone 2008—world marketing handbook. Faenza, Gruppo Editoriale Faenza Editice, Faenza

    Google Scholar 

  • Morales M, Oyhantcabal P, Stein K-J, Siegesmund S (2010) Black dimensional stones: geology, technical properties and deposit characterization of the dolerites from Uruguay. Environ Earth Sci 69(4):1067–1489. doi:10.1007/s12665-010-0827-5

  • Morales M, Oyhantcabal P, Stein K-J, Siegesmund S (2013) Dolomitic states from Uruguay: petrophysical and petromechanical characterization and deposit evaluation. Environ Earth Sci 69:1361–1395

    Google Scholar 

  • Mosch S (2009) Optimierung der exploration, gewinnung und materialcharakterisierung von naturwerksteinen. Diss Univ Göttingen, Göttingen

    Google Scholar 

  • Mosch S, Nikolayev D, Ewiak O, Siegesmund S (2010) Optimized extraction of dimension stone blocks. Environ Earth Sci. doi:10.1007/s12665-010-0825-7

    Google Scholar 

  • Müller FM (1996) Gesteinskunde. Ebner-Verlag, Germany

    Google Scholar 

  • Oyhantcabal P, Siegesmund S, Stein K-J (2007) Dimension stones in Uruguay: situation and perspectives. Z dtsch Ges Geowiss 158(3):417–428

    Google Scholar 

  • Passchier CW, Trouw RAJ (1996) Microtectonics. Springer, Berlin

    Google Scholar 

  • Pentecost A (2005) Travertine. Springer, Berlin

    Google Scholar 

  • Peschel A (1983) Natursteine. VEB Deutscher Verlag für Grundstoffindustrie, Leipzig

    Google Scholar 

  • Peschel A, Franz E (1968) Der Fruchtschiefer von Theuma (Vogtl.). Beziehung zwischen Genese und Verwertbarkeit. Z Angewandte Geol 14/9:483–488

    Google Scholar 

  • Primavori P (1999) Planet stone. Giorgio Zusi Editore S.A.S., Verona

    Google Scholar 

  • Rothert E, Eggers T, Cassar J et al. (2007) Stone properties and weathering by salt crystallisation of Maltese Globigerina limestone. In: Prikryl R, Smith BJ (eds) Building stone decay: from diagnosis to conservation. Geological Society of London Special Publication 271, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Shadmon A (1989) Stone: an Introduction. Intermediate technology publications, London

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Siegesmund S, Vollbrecht A, Weiss T (2002a) Gefügeanisotropien und ihre Bedeutung für Naturwerksteine. Naturstein 7:76–81

    Google Scholar 

  • Siegesmund S, Vollbrecht A, Hulka C (2002b) The abnormal mechanical behaviour of itacolumites: fabric evidences. Geological Society of London Special Publication 205, London, pp 137–147

    Google Scholar 

  • Streckeisen (1978) Classification and nomenclature of volcanic rocks, lamprophyrs, carbonatites and mellilitic rocks. Recommendations and suggestions. N Jb Mineral Abh 134:1–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Streckeisen A (1980) Classification and nomenclature of igneous rocks. Geol Rundschau 69:194–207

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sousa LMA (2010) Evaluation of joints in granitic outcrops for dimension stone exploitation. Q J Eng Geol Hydrogeol 43:85–94

    Google Scholar 

  • Terezopoulos N (2004) The challenge for European ornamental stones. Proceedings of the 1st OSNET Workshop. http://www.osnet.ntua.gr/Sectors/01_Quarrying/Publications/The_challenge_for_European_Ornamental_Stones.pdf. Accessed 20 July 2010

  • Tomio P, Filippi F (1996) Das Porphyr Handbuch. e.s.Po, Albiano Trento

    Google Scholar 

  • Török Á (2002) Oolitic limestone in polluted atmospheric environment in Budapest: weathering phenomena and alterations in physical properties. In: Siegesmund S, Weiss T, Vollbrecht A (eds) Natural stones, weathering phenomena, conservation strategies and case studies. Geological Society of London Special Publication 205, London, pp 363–379

    Google Scholar 

  • Török Á (2004) Leithakalk-type limestones in hungary: an overview of lithologies and weathering features. In: Prikryl R, Siegel P (eds) Architectural and sculptural stone in cultural landscape. The Karolinum Press, Prague, pp 89–93

    Google Scholar 

  • Török Á (2006) Influence of fabric on the physical properties of limestones. In: Kourkoulis SK (ed) Fracture and failure of natural building stones. Springer, Dordrecht, pp 487–495

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Török A, Licha T, Simon K, Siegesmund S (2010) Urban and rural limestone weathering; the contribution of dust to black crust formation. Environ Earth Sci. doi:10.1007/s12665-010-0737-6

    Google Scholar 

  • Tucker ME, Wright JP (1990) Carbonate sedimentology. Blackwell Scientific Publication, Oxford

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Vollbrecht A, Dürrast H, Weber K (1993) Open microcracks: indicators for in-situ stress directions. KTB-Report 93–2:227–230

    Google Scholar 

  • Vollbrecht A, Rust S, Weber K (1991) Development of microcracks in granites during cooling and uplift: examples from the variscan basement in NE Bavaria (FRG). J Struc Geol 13(7):787–799

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wagner W (2007) Grundlagen für die Prüfung von Dach- und Wandschiefern. Z dtsch Ges Geowiss 158/4:785–805

    Google Scholar 

  • Wedepohl KH (1969) Composition and abundance of common igneous rocks. In: Wedepohl KH (ed) Handbook of geochemistry. Springer, Berlin

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Wichert J (2007) Schieferlexikon. http://www.schieferlexikon.de/htm. Accessed 20 July 2010

  • Wilson JL (1975) Carbonate facies in geologic history. Springer, Berlin

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Winkler H, von Platen H (1961a) Experimentelle gesteinsmetamorphose IV. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 24:48–69

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Winkler H, von Platen H (1961b) Experimentelle gesteinsmetamorphose V. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 24:250–259

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Winkler HGF (1967) Die Genese der metamorphen Gesteine. Springer, Berlin

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Yardley BWD (1997) Einführung in die Petrologie metamorpher Gesteine. Ferdinand Enke Verlag, Stuttgart

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geoscience Centre, University of Göttingen, Goldschmidtstrasse 3, 37077, Göttingen, Germany

    Siegfried Siegesmund & Ákos Török

Authors
  1. Siegfried Siegesmund
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ákos Török
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Universität Göttingen Geoscience Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany

    Siegfried Siegesmund

  2. Naturstein, Bauchemie und Bauphysik in der Denkmalpflege, Bamberg, Germany

    Rolf Snethlage

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Siegesmund, S., Török, Á. (2014). Building Stones. In: Siegesmund, S., Snethlage, R. (eds) Stone in Architecture. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-45155-3_2

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation