ABSTRACT
Suitability is determined by the careful study of the physical and mechanical characteristics, all of which are directly related to the mineralogy and texture of the stone. When determining the use of the stone in the restoration of historic buildings, there are a limited number of tests that need to be considered. The chapter focuses on some of the tests such as, water absorption, compressive strength, flexural strength, and freeze-thaw. Sedimentary stones are formed through the compacting of accumulations of grains or fragments of existing rock material which have been formed through weathering and transport by water, wind or ice. Villamayor sandstone is the most widely used stone in buildings of cultural significance in Salamanca. Martinamor granite is light in colour and can be coarse or fine-grained, depending on the variety chosen. Its main feature is the presence of elongated tourmaline aggregates that accumulated in different patches in the stone.
