6 Types of Stone We Commonly Use for Our Projects

Lincoln QuarryAs you might guess, not all stone is created equal. Certain varieties of stone are not as useful for building materials. At Petrillo Stone, we commonly use these 6 materials in our projects:

  1. Basalt: This stone is usually between medium and fine grain. It’s commonly used to build roads, bridge piers, dams, and river walls.
  2. Granite: Granite has a crystalline structure, and the grain can be anywhere from fine to coarse. This stone is mostly made up of quartz and feldspar, with a little bit of mica and amphibole.
  3. Sandstone: When combined with silica cement, this material is used to build heavy, solid structures. It is so named because it’s made up of sand that has been compressed over time.
  4. Limestone: We limestone, but not all limestone can be used. Certain varieties have high clay content, which makes them not very durable. However, limestone that is compact and dense can be a great building material for floors, roofs, and pavement. However, it’s best to not use it in coastal areas, as the salty air can abrade it. It also does not fare well in highly polluted areas.
  5. Slate: Made of quartz, clay minerals, and mica, this gray stone is used in slabs to make roofing tiles and pavers.
  6. Marble: Marble is strong, uniform, imperious, and polishes beautifully. It can also be carved easily, hence all the ancient statues carved in marble. It’s an elegant building material associated with opulence.