Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
Stone
Common use
Compositional characteristics
Remarks
Igneous
Andesite
Making tools
Complex metal silicates
Compact and tough; chips easily
(about 60% silica)
Basalt
Building
Complex metal silicates
Dark-colored, fine-grained
(about 50% silica)
Diamond
Precious-stone grinding and
Pure carbon
High refractive index; hardest material on earth
polishing
Emerald
Gemstone
A variety of beryl
Very hard
Jade
Making jewelry and
Metal silicates
Two varieties: jadeite and nephrite
decorative objects
Obsidian
Making tools and decorative
Natural glass
Extremely dense; sharp edges; conchoidal
objects
fracture
Sedimentary
Alabaster
Making decorative objects
Calcium sulfate
Easily shaped and polished
Alabaster, oriental
Making decorative objects
Calcium carbonate
Easily shaped and polished
Flint
Making tools
Mainly silica
Very compact; sharp edges, conchoidal fracture
Gypsum
Building; making plaster of
Calcium sulfate
Easily shaped and polished; decomposed by
Paris
heat
Limestone
Building; making lime
Calcium carbonate
Easily shaped; decomposed by heat
Sandstone
Building
Mainly silica
Conglomerate of rounded silica fragments
consolidated within calcium carbonate
Turquoise
Semiprecious gemstone
Hydrated phosphate of
Carved with relative ease
aluminum and copper
Metamorphic
Marble
Building; making statuary
Calcium carbonate
Easily shaped and polished
Quartzite
Making statuary
Mainly silica
Easily shaped and polished
Soapstone
Carving decorative objects
Complex silicate of magnesium
Greasy feel; easily carved
