Stone+paragraph

Stones are natural components made of rock and minerals. They are classified into three groups by the way they were formed: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. In each group we can find different kinds of rocks, that have their own properties, shapes, colors, hardness and composition.

Stones are usually used in construction because of the advantages that they offer. They are durable, resistant and long-lasting materials. Also, they can be shaped or used naturally. Another advantage is that they resist compression. However, there are some disadvantages, too. Because of their weight and hardness, this material is very difficult to transport, quarry and cut. At the same time, stones present weakness when they are in tension, and instability with loads pushing at angles. Apart from that, they are expensive, too.

The art of building a structure in stone may be broadly classified into two types of masonry: rubble and ashlar masonry. In rubble stonework, the stones are cut into irregular forms and the joints are not uniform thickness. The stone masonry in which stones are regularly cut and are laid in mortar is known as ashlars masonry. In ashlar masonry, all the joints are regular, thin and have uniform thickness.

In conclusion, if we are going to use stones in construction, we should make a previous search to be sure that we are choosing the right rock, with the appropriate characteristics for that project.