Marble Institute of America: Consumer Resources - Dimension Stone by Tom Dolley

Dimension Stone by Tom Dolley

Thomas P. Dolley, the U.S. Geological Survey dimension stone commodity specialist, has compiled the following information on dimension stone, an abundant natural resource that is produced by one of the world's oldest industries.

Well-recognized in architecture around the world, dimension stone is a natural rock material quarried for the purpose of obtaining locks or slabs that meet size and shape specifications. The color, surface finish, grain texture and pattern of the stone, as well as durability, strength and the ability of the stone to take a polish, are other important selection criteria.

Although numerous varieties of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks are used as dimension stone, the principal rock types used are granite, limestone, marble, sandstone, and slate. Less commonly used rock types are alabaster (massive gypsum) and soapstone (massive talc).

Since antiquity, various civilizations have used dimension stone in many ancient buildings and monuments that have survived to the present day. With the advent of construction methods using reinforced concrete and steel in the 19th and 20th centuries, dimension stone ceased to be a major structural component in building construction. In recent years, most dimension stone has been used in construction applications (about 47%) with the largest portions being sold or used as ashlars (hewn or squared stone) and partially squared pieces, curbing, flagstone, rough blocks for building and construction, and veneers. Another major use is in monuments, including memorials of various kinds.

In the last two decades, there has been more demand for the aesthetic qualities of dimension stone, and the industry slowly has started to exploit and diversify into the growing markets for home improvements, including the use of dimension stone in kitchen counter tops, home restoration, historic preservation, and new home and commercial construction:

Production of dimension stone starts with rough stone blocks that are split or cut from a quarry face and are then transported to processing plants that are typically located at the quarry site, at least for preliminary sizing. Final sizing and finishing operations, such as decorating, edging, and polishing, may be completed at the quarry site or elsewhere.

Found on every continent on Earth, global resources of dimension stone are virtually limitless. Significant deposits of granite and marble can be found from Alabama to Maine in the United States. Additionally, the Carrara District in northern Italy has long been a significant producer of marble, along with Spain and China. Granite production and reserves are also significant in Canada, China, Brazil, the Scandinavia countries, and the Republic of South Africa. Worldwide production of dimension stone in 2004 was estimated to be 89 million metric tons.

For more information on dimension stone and other mineral resources, visit: minerals.usgs.gov/minerals. This article by Thomas P. Dolley appeared in Geotimes, v. 51, no. 3, March 2006, p. 45