ABSTRACT
Use of stone in building construction is traditional in the places where it is produced, although even there its high cost imposes limitations on its use. Rocks suitable for the manufacture of stone materials are called useful minerals and the operations involved in obtaining minerals are called mining. Being aggregations of minerals, the properties of rocks are dependent upon the character of these constituents, identified by their physical properties such as hardness, cleavage, streak, colour, lustre, specific gravity and shape of crystals. The rocks may be classified on the basis of their geological formation, physical characteristics and chemical composition. The open part of the natural rock from which useful stone is obtained is known as quarry. Dressing of stones is done immediately after quarrying and before seasoning to achieve less weight for transportation, pleasing appearance, proper bedding with good mortar joints, special shapes for arches, copings, pillars, etc.
