Rock and Stone | CE 013

Rock and Stone

Rock is a natural deposition of stone, earth, clay, sediments, minerals and other materials that has been naturally deformed and solidified in course of a long time of thousands of years.

As per metamorphosis, there are three main types of rocks, viz.

1. Igneous rock

2. Sedimentary rock

3. Metamorphic rock

As per chemical composition, there are again three types of rocks, viz.

1. Siliceous rock

2. Calcareous rock

3. Argillaceous rock

Igneous rock is one that has been formed through a long time consolidation or solidification of molten volcanic materials. It is very hard, dense, strong and durable. Granite, Basalt, Trap etc. are examples of igneous rock.

Sedimentary rock is one that has been formed due to long time deposition of sediments carried by water, wind etc. It consists of stratified layers of natural materials lying one above another. Sand stone, Lime stone, Shale etc. are examples of sedimentary rock.

When igneous and sedimentary rocks are transformed into a rock of different character due to long time metamorphic action of heat and pressure, it is called metamorphic rock. It consists of a foliated and non-uniform stratum of layers. Quartzite, Schist, Slate etc. are examples of metamorphic rock.

Acid rock and basic rock are special nomenclatures of igneous rock depending upon the percentage of silica. Igneous rock that consists of over 65 percent of silica is called acid rock and the same consisting of less than 50 percent of silica is called basic rock. Granite is an example of acid rock whereas Basalt is an examples of basic rock.

The rock that has silica as the basic ingredient is called siliceous rock. Granite, Trap, Quartzite, Sandstone etc. are examples of siliceous rock. The rock that has calcium carbonate or lime as the basic ingredient is called calcareous rock. Marble and lime stone are examples of calcareous rock. The rock whose basic ingredient is consolidated clay or silty clay mixed with alumina and mineral is called argillaceous rock. Slate and Laterite are examples of argillaceous rock.

Stone is mechanized extract of rock usually available in smaller size to facilitate human handling. Example: Granite, Marble, Basalt, Gravel, Sand stone, Lime stone, Quartzite, Laterite, Slate, Shale etc. Almost all of these are used as building materials - either as coarse aggregate of concrete or as flooring and wall decorating materials or as railway track material.

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