1. Stones

The commonly used building stones in India include granite, basalt and trap, limestone, marbles, gneiss, laterite, slate, etc.

A place where exposed surfaces of good quality natural rocks are abundantly available is known as ‘quarry’ and the process of taking out stones from the natural bed is known as ‘quarrying’. This is done with the help of hand tools like pickaxe, chisels, etc., or with the help of machines. Blasting using explosives is […]

Practical classification is based on the usage. Practically stones have been classified as granite, basalt, laterite, marble, limestone, sandstone and slate.

This classification is based on the general structure of rocks. According to this classification, the rocks are divided into three types.   Classification of Rocks According to Their Structure Physical classification Characteristics Typical name 1. Stratified rock Has many strata Slate 2. Unstratified rock Does not have strata Granite 3. Foliated rocks Has foliated structure […]

On the basis of dominant chemical composition, the building stone may fall into any of the following three groups:   Classification of Rocks According to Their Chemical Composition Chemical classification Composition Name of the rock 1. Silicious rock Predominance of silica Granite, sandstone, basalt 2. Argillaceous rock Predominance of clay Slate, laterite, schist 3. Calcareous […]

These rocks are formed by the change in character of the pre-existing rocks. Igneous as well as sedimentary rocks change in character when they are subject to great heat and pressure. The process of change is known as metamorphism. Table 1.1 gives the names of the original and metamorphic rocks. Mineral composition and texture of a rock […]

These rocks are formed by the weathering action of natural elements on the original rock and subsequent transportation by air, river, glacier and sea and deposition at a different locality. The following four types of deposits occur: Examples of sedimentary rocks are sandstone, limestone, gypsum, lignite, etc.

The molten material present in the inside portion of the earth’s surface is known as magma and this magma occasionally tries to come out to the earth’s surface through cracks or weak portions. The rocks which are formed by the cooling of magma are called igneous rocks. The portion of lava which comes outside the […]