Selection of stones

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The governing factors that are to be considered while selecting a particular stone are listed below as follows:

• Cost – It includes transportation charges, cost for quarrying and cutting of stone, type of dressing of stone. The selected stone must be economical.
• Design considerations – Based on the nature of design, stones are to be selected. For example – if for a highly carved design, granite is chosen, then cost of the stone will be affected. This is because of its higher strength. Instead of granite, soft stones are to be preferred.
• Fashion and ornamental value – The colour, arrangement and mineral constituents of the stone, change in colour with time and exposure are to be considered when a particular stone is chosen for ornamental purpose.
• Durability – The selected stone must be resistant to fire and weathering agents.
• Availability – The selected stone must be available at ease and also in sufficient quantity
• Quality of construction
• Type of structural element to be constructed
• If a particular stone is to be used in an industrial town, then the composition of the stone must be considered. Sandstone and quartzite are preferred rather than limestone, marble and dolomite.
• If a particular stone is to be used in the locality where winds are strong, then the stone must possess fine texture, uniform composition and good hardness to resist the weathering action due to wind. Granites are preferred rather than quartzite.

*For detailed discussion on the characteristics of good building stone – Click Here