Dimensional stone

Dimensional stone , or architectural, includes many different rock types and refers to any stone that is capable of being quarried in large blocks and subsequently processed into slabs, blocks, flagstones, etc. Varying quantities of dimension stone are used in a variety of architectural applications. Natural stone is used for exterior cladding on office buildings, as paving stone for sidewalks and courtyards, for curbing and retaining walls, and as tiles for interior floors, stairs and walls. Stone is used for cemetery monuments and other memorial applications. Some irregular blocks of stone are used in landscaping applications (waterfalls, gardens).

In general, the most common types of rock used as dimension stone include granite , limestone, sandstone, marble and slate. The commercial term "granite" includes coarse crystalline rocks that are free from impurities and are capable of being cut and polished. Commercial "marble" is a fine-to-coarse crystalline rock composed primarily of calcite or dolomite that is durable and capable of taking a high polish. Limestones and sandstones are fine-grained sedimentary rocks that are quarried for their consistent textures and colours and general workability. Slate is a hard, layered rock that is mostly used for roofing tiles and as landscaping stone.