What is a stone?
Even in ancient times, the stone was associated withdurability, constancy and majesty of forms. And its huge dimensions made a great impression on the primitive man. In ancient times, even worshiped stones. In this article, we will talk about what "stone" is, and we will dwell in detail on the natural stone and its properties.
What is stone: definition
The word "stone" can be used in variousmeanings. For example, in medicine there is a kidney stone, and in ancient times, alchemists fought over the creation of a philosopher's stone, which would turn any metals into gold. Even in the production of wine, a precipitate is formed, which is called a wine stone. Such geographical objects as the volcano on Kamchatka or the river in Poland are called Kamen.
However, most often the following association arises: a stone is a solid rock, any solid fossil except for pure metals and sand.
Natural stone
One of the varieties of stone is naturala rock. It is a natural natural material. All the rocks that are used in construction, called natural stone. This is tuff, slate, marble, granite, quartzite, limestone, sandstone.
Natural stones have healing properties,which allows them to be used effectively in medicine. There is even a separate science - lithotherapy dedicated to this issue. For example, human health can be improved with the help of natural stone massage.
The use of such natural stone asdolomite, will be useful in any home. It can be used as a "homemade" water filter. It is enough to put a few stones in a container of water and let it brew. Water will not only be clean, but, according to scientists, will have healing properties.
However, most often natural stone is used inConstruction (for example, when facing buildings). Possessing strength, durability and incredible beauty, the natural stone serves as an ornament for many churches, palaces, estates, and also for simple houses.
More information on laying a stone you can find in our article How to lay a stone.
Properties of natural stone
- Strength. The wear resistance of the stone depends on this property. Highlight stones (granite), medium (marble), low (quartzite) stand out.
- Porosity. The higher the porosity of the stone (i.e., the number of cavities per cm3), the better polishability, acid and moisture resistance. The presence of these characteristics makes it possible to process stones and use them for interior and exterior decoration of premises.
- Wear resistance is good when the stone is subjected to a constant load. To the floor or staircase always looked perfect, it is better to give preference to natural stone.
- Practically does not react to external influences (sun, water, temperature changes).
- Attractive appearance. The stone has a huge variety of textures and colors.
The use of natural stone is a guarantee of quality and reliability. Of course, a natural stone is an expensive material. However, this is the case when the price fully justifies the quality.
Types of natural stone
In addition to attractive properties, natural stone has a huge variety. Let us consider some of its types.
The most famous natural stone ismarble. The presence of such a stone in the house is evidence of luxury and wealth. It is mainly used for finishing fireplaces, stairs, kitchen countertops. Everyone knows about the strength of marble, but in this index it is superior to travertine. It also has good frost resistance. By the way, it was travertine used in the construction of the Colosseum in Rome.
Granite is well amenable to technical processing. Durable, easy to polish. Has a smooth, shiny surface, which for many years is preserved in its original form.
It is very convenient to work with sandstone, which is easy to shape, break or trim. The limestone is also soft. It is used to create sculptures, and also used in construction.
If you are interested in various (including magical) properties of stones, to help you also other articles of our site: What is my stone and What is the dream of the stones.
