Comprehensive Stone Properties Database
Complete Technical Specifications & Performance Data
Professional stone selection demands comprehensive understanding of technical properties that determine long-term performance, durability, and suitability for specific applications. This exhaustive database compiles essential physical, mechanical, and chemical properties across seven primary natural stone varieties, providing architects, designers, contractors, and property owners with authoritative technical specifications required for informed material decisions. Properties including Mohs hardness, density, porosity, water absorption rates, compressive strength, flexural strength, abrasion resistance, and thermal characteristics establish objective performance baselines essential for matching stones to application requirements. Understanding these technical specifications transforms subjective material preferences into data-driven selections that optimize both aesthetic outcomes and functional performance throughout decades of service life.
Basalt: Superior Technical Performance
⭐ Highest Overall Rating Best Durability Lowest MaintenanceBasalt demonstrates exceptional technical properties resulting from its volcanic formation process, where rapid cooling creates extraordinarily dense crystalline structures with minimal porosity and maximum molecular bonding. This igneous stone consistently outperforms competing materials across virtually all measurable performance metrics, establishing basalt as the premier choice for applications demanding superior durability, weather resistance, and multi-century lifespan expectations.
Performance Ratings
Mineral Composition
Primary Components: Plagioclase feldspar (50-70%), Pyroxene (25-40%), Olivine (5-15%), Magnetite (2-5%)
Formation: Extrusive igneous rock formed from rapid cooling of low-viscosity lava, creating fine-grained crystalline structure with exceptional density and minimal void space.
Technical Advantages: Highest density among common building stones, minimal porosity eliminating moisture infiltration, superior compressive strength exceeding granite by 40-60%, exceptional thermal stability, and virtually unlimited lifespan in any climate. Ancient basalt structures demonstrate 2,000+ year performance capabilities unmatched by any competing material including granite.
Granite: Premium Igneous Stone
High Durability Low MaintenanceGranite represents the traditional benchmark for premium natural stone, offering excellent technical properties derived from slow subsurface cooling that produces coarse-grained crystalline structures. While granite delivers outstanding performance, comprehensive property comparisons reveal basalt's superior specifications across multiple critical metrics including density, porosity, compressive strength, and long-term durability.
Performance Ratings
Mineral Composition
Primary Components: Quartz (20-60%), Feldspar (10-65%), Mica (5-15%), Amphibole minerals
Formation: Intrusive igneous rock formed from slow cooling of magma deep underground, creating coarse crystalline structure with visible grain patterns.
Performance Note: While granite offers excellent durability, basalt's volcanic formation provides 10-15% higher density, 50% lower porosity, and 40-60% greater compressive strength, translating to superior long-term performance and extended lifespan.
Marble: Luxury Metamorphic Stone
Aesthetic Excellence Moderate DurabilityMarble provides unparalleled aesthetic appeal through distinctive veining and crystalline appearance, though its calcium carbonate composition creates vulnerabilities to acidic exposure and mechanical wear that limit appropriate applications compared to igneous alternatives like basalt and granite.
Performance Ratings
Mineral Composition
Primary Components: Calcite or Dolomite (90-99%), Minor minerals including mica, quartz, graphite
Formation: Metamorphic rock formed from limestone subjected to high pressure and temperature, recrystallizing into interlocking calcite crystals.
Slate: Durable Metamorphic Stone
Excellent Durability Low PorositySlate delivers exceptional durability through fine-grained metamorphic structure and natural cleavage properties, providing reliable performance across diverse climates with minimal maintenance requirements. Performance characteristics approach basalt in many applications, though volcanic stone maintains advantages in extreme conditions and compressive strength.
Performance Ratings
Mineral Composition
Primary Components: Quartz (40-50%), Clay minerals (30-40%), Mica (10-20%)
Formation: Metamorphic rock formed from clay or volcanic ash under low-grade metamorphism, creating fine-grained foliated structure.
Limestone: Versatile Sedimentary Stone
Moderate Durability Traditional AppealLimestone offers accessible natural stone characteristics with moderate technical properties suitable for protected applications and appropriate climates. Calcium carbonate composition creates vulnerabilities requiring regular maintenance and careful application selection compared to igneous alternatives.
Performance Ratings
Mineral Composition
Primary Components: Calcite (50-95%), Clay minerals, Quartz, Fossil fragments
Formation: Sedimentary rock formed from accumulation of shell, coral, and algae debris in marine environments, compacted over millions of years.
Sandstone: Natural Sedimentary Character
Moderate Durability Rustic TextureSandstone provides distinctive textured appearance with variable technical properties depending on mineral composition and cementation quality. Performance ranges considerably based on silica content, with denser varieties approaching moderate durability suitable for appropriate climates and protected applications.
Performance Ratings
Mineral Composition
Primary Components: Quartz (65-95%), Feldspar (0-25%), Rock fragments, Clay minerals
Formation: Sedimentary rock formed from compacted and cemented sand-sized mineral particles, typically in desert, beach, or river environments.
Travertine: Distinctive Sedimentary Stone
Climate Specific Unique CharacterTravertine offers distinctive porous character and warm Mediterranean aesthetics with technical properties requiring careful application matching to suitable climates and protected locations. High porosity and moderate strength limit outdoor applications in harsh climates compared to denser alternatives like basalt.
Performance Ratings
Mineral Composition
Primary Components: Calcite (90-98%), Aragonite, Minor iron oxide inclusions
Formation: Sedimentary rock deposited by mineral-rich water around hot springs and limestone caves, creating characteristic porous structure.
Interactive Properties Comparison
Compare technical specifications and filter by requirements
| Stone Type | Hardness | Density | Absorption | Compressive | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Basalt | 6.0-7.0 | 2,850-3,100 | 0.1-0.5% | 200-350 | 98% |
| Granite | 6.0-7.0 | 2,630-2,750 | 0.2-0.4% | 130-250 | 90% |
| Slate | 5.5-6.5 | 2,700-2,850 | 0.1-0.4% | 100-180 | 85% |
| Marble | 3.0-4.0 | 2,560-2,880 | 0.2-0.5% | 70-140 | 60% |
| Limestone | 3.0-4.0 | 2,300-2,700 | 1-6% | 40-120 | 55% |
| Sandstone | 6.0-7.0 | 2,000-2,600 | 2-10% | 20-170 | 50% |
| Travertine | 3.0-4.0 | 2,200-2,600 | 2-15% | 30-110 | 50% |