Stones are naturally occurring

rocks of igneous, sedimentary

or metamorphic origin. Most
of
the rocks are sufficiently
consolidated to enable them to
be cut or made into various
shapes
and blocks or slabs to be used
walling, paving or roofing
materials. Rocks are mostly
used in
the construction of buildings
and hundreds of structures.
Stones are categorised into
building
stones, ornamental stones and
dimension stones. A building
stone is chosen for its
properties
of durability, attractiveness,
and economy. A dimension
stone is a building stone that is
often
quarried and prepared in
blocks according to
specifications. A decorative
stone is a stone that
can be quarried, cut or carved
and is most highly valued for
its pleasing appearance. It is
more often used in interior
construction for decoration and
monuments than as standard
building stone. Millions of
stones of crushed rock are
needed annually for road base,
paving, ready-mixed concrete
and asphalt. The study of the
properties of stones is a part
of
engineering geology and
mining geology.