Have you ever wondered where all the stones used in the splitting constructions or in the architecture come from? Which is their origin? For example, which rock’s family does the granite belong to or how is it used after the splitting process? The rocks generally consist of a limited number of mineral elements. In some of them
there is only one essential mineral: limestones consist almost entirely of calcite; in others there are several minerals: conglomerates, for example, can have a very complex mineralogical composition. The rocks form the outer part of the Earth called the crust.
Let’s take a little step back and find out together the internal structure of the Earth. On the basis of numerous studies and secular research, the theory on the structural model of the Earth allows us to affirm that it is formed by:
- Oceanic or continental crust: The oceanic crust is divided in: thin layer of oceanic sediment; lava and basaltic rocks of volcanic origin; big layer consists of basaltic materials (including gabbro), peridotite and serpentine. Whereas, the continental one has a very variable composition but mostly it is a kind of granite type;
- Mantle is composed of intrusive magmatic rocks (granite);
- Liquid outer core and solid inner core.
How do we understand which family does the granite come from, rather than the sandstone or marble? Where the different kind of rocks can be used especially in the world of splitting?
The criterion of classification of the stone adopted by geologists is based on the modalities of rock formation, identifying three fundamental groups:
Igneous or magmatic rocks
The igneous rocks, or commonly known as magmatic, are formed through the crystallization of magma. These rocks are divided into four large families: granites, andesites, basalts and ultrabasic rocks. Find out together where these types of stone are used.
Let’s start with granite, one of the most resistant stones. Granite – hard material as diamond- has been used for example in Egyptian obelisks; or the sampietrino, i.e. a block of volcanic rock rich in crystals, widespread, even today, for the realization of the paving of common use in the historical centre of Rome and in Piazza San Pietro to pave streets or squares.
Granites are currently used as a covering material, especially in private construction (floors, kitchen tops, thresholds, stairs, wall coverings and bathroom floors), public (sidewalk creations, squares) and monumental, both for interiors and exteriors.
Contrary to popular belief about the classification of stone for buildings, granite is increasingly used in the creation of extremely modern living contexts. Thanks to the endurance and malleability/ductility, granite has no problems in being placed in different areas of the house, for example as a countertop for kitchens, since it does not fear scratches, oil stains, lemon, soap or any other substance is used in these contexts.
Sedimentary rocks
Let’s move on to the sedimentary rocks, formed after the deposit of material coming from the degradation of other rocks. Within this classification we find sandstone, limestone and flint. Sandstone, for example, is appreciated for its construction use, for buildings and urban furniture. It lends itself willingly to many processes, since the surface is easily workable, and it is used first of all for paving roads and public places, but also for interior cladding.
Being classified as soft rock, its application is recommended for projects that do not require a particular mechanical resistance, but rather prestigious environments, points of sale and public places. Sandstone flooring must not be particularly stressed by heavy loads.
Metamorphic rocks
Last but not least, we find marble, a metamorphic rock formed as a result of the transformation of other rocks under the action of external agents. Marble is a natural stone which is nowadays widely used in the interior design. But as everyone knows, it is certainly not a newness of the moment: its use comes from ancient tradition. It was widely used in the past to erect large buildings and monuments; the remains of temples and sculptures of the period – Greek and Roman, are the example par excellence.
The frequent use of this material, and practically uninterrupted over the millennium, is due to the particular reflection that the marble gives to the light, which makes it particularly shining and shiny, giving brightness also to the surrounding spaces. It is reasonable, that its name derives from the Greek “marmaros”, which means exactly “shining stone”.
In the world of split, marble finds its application in facades, interiors and flooring. In smaller pieces (waste processing) it is used to form tiles (briquette and marmettoni).
Well dear friend, we have arrived at the end of this short but exhausting journey to discover the three main stone classifications in the Mec house. The stone is a world of a thousand faces and all to be discovered. If you want to get even more information, do not hesitate to contact our team through our contact page. Mec team will answer all your questions. See you soon !!