Rocks are one of the most important and versatile natural resources found on earth and have been used in construction for centuries. From ancient monuments to modern skyscrapers, rocks have been an integral part of building projects around the world. But what types of rock are most commonly used in construction today?
Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is composed mostly of calcium carbonate. It is one of the most common rocks used in construction due to its durability and affordability. Limestone is widely used as a building material and is also an important component in cement production. It can be cut into various shapes and sizes, making it an ideal choice for construction projects such as walls, floors and columns.
Limestone has also been used for centuries as a decorative material due to its attractive colours and patterns. Its warm colour palette makes it ideal for interior design applications such as flooring, wall cladding, countertops and more.
Granite
Granite is an igneous rock consisting of quartz, mica, feldspar and other minerals that give it its distinctive speckled appearance. It is incredibly strong and durable — ideal for indoor and outdoor applications — while still being relatively easy to work with compared to other materials like concrete or steel. Granite can be polished to enhance its natural beauty or left unpolished for a more rustic look.
Sandstone
Sandstone is another sedimentary rock formed from sand grains bonded together by calcium carbonate or silica. Sandstone is very popular as a building material due to its strength, durability, availability, low cost per volume ratio (compared to other stones), resistance against weathering (especially when treated with sealants) and ease of working with hand tools or power tools. All of these qualities make it the perfect choice for many major projects.
Choosing Crushed Rock Over Gravel
Many project managers decided to use a crushed form of rock rather than simply opt for gravel. They can then take advantage of the specific qualities of the chosen rock, which will typically give them more control over the finished result.
Further Information
Many types of rocks can be used in construction projects, and each has unique properties that make them suitable for certain applications. It's important to consider all options before making your decision on what type best suits your project needs.
Reach out to a crushed rock supplier to learn more. They can help guide you in choosing the right rock for your project.