ABSTRACT
Following the geological background presented in Chapter 2, this extensive and well-illustrated Chapter describes and illustrates the main types of building stone, so that they will be readily recognised by the reader when encountered in situ in stone buildings. There are photographs of several granite examples, as close-ups, stone buildings and artistic adornments. Volcanic building stones from Jeju Island, Korea, Iceland and India are shown with their easily recognisable vesicles (small holes). Illustrations of limestone and sandstone building stones then follow with emphasis on those in Great Britain: Portland stone, Purbeck ‘limestone’, Ham Hill stone, Kentish ragstone and Ancaster stone, and the sandstones used in Edinburgh and Durham. An interesting aspect is establishing whether a sandstone building stone has been emplaced in a building the ‘right way up’ (relative to its original geological position); this is explained and a ‘which way up’ quiz with four examples is included. Flint has made a major contribution to stone buildings in the SE of England; the origin of flint is explained and flint decorated buildings are illustrated. Slate and decorative marble are included, together with breccias and conglomerates. Finally, artificial building stones are discussed: terracotta, faience, bricks, concrete and Coade stone. Copious, full-colour illustrations, an extensive background bibliography together with the information the book contains, will enhance the reader’s appreciation of the built environment whether in the countryside or in the city.
