Natural stone - natural beauty and strength

The use of natural stone is becoming more and more popular every day both in public places and in residential buildings and apartments. It is not surprising, because the unique character of natural stone creates a favorable and luxurious atmosphere in any room. Natural inclusions and randomly formed patterns make each tile unique, and the floor as a whole creates an exclusive interior for each room. However, when laying and using natural stone, the most important point is to carefully study and understand the individual characteristics of different types of stone. In addition, when working with natural stone, it is important to correctly select the materials that are used for laying this or that type of stone.

There are three main geological types of natural stone in nature, which are classified according to their origin: volcanic, sedimentary and metamorphic. Formed over millions of years under pressure or during the destruction of rocks, they have an attractive color, structure, particles, and stains that resemble hardened crystals.

Rocks of volcanic origin

Volcanic rocks were formed by extremely high temperatures and pressures as molten magma cooled slowly beneath the Earth's surface (known as plutonic rocks, such as granite or diorite), or when that magma cooled on the surface of the Earth's crust after a volcanic eruption (known as volcanic rocks). rocks such as diabase or basalt). Plutonic rocks are often hard, dense, and not as porous as volcanic rocks, which have rough grains. However, some volcanic rocks, such as basalt, for example, are used in paving roads and are also quite strong.

Rocks of sedimentary origin

Sedimentary rocks are formed by the deposition of sedimentary materials: water, wind, ice, erosion or weathering of previous rocks and are the result of transformation over thousands of years due to pressure into solid rock (for example, sandstone or limestone).

Rocks of metamorphic origin

Metamorphic rocks are stones that have been altered due to chemical influences, high temperatures and high pressure. This is how diabases turn into gneiss and limestone into marble. As a result of the transformation, magnificent patterns are formed, but the stone itself is not very durable and is more often used for laying on walls in public spaces.

Each of these rock types is classified into many different subtypes with their own individual characteristics. It is simply impossible to name and list them all within a brief presentation. Additionally, due to competition, the same stone may have several different names, making comparison even more difficult.

Problems when laying and using natural stone

Knowledge of the characteristics and properties of natural stone helps to overcome emerging problems on the way to achieving an excellent result.
Texture, permeability, mineral content, history of stone formation - all these properties are of great importance both for the process of laying the stone and for its further operational purpose. If natural stone is exposed to water, it will easily penetrate through the pores of the stone. Porosity allows water to spread out, which of course has an impact on natural stone and can lead to a number of problems. Deformations . Water penetration can cause deformation of natural stone. In this case, the glue used for installation must compensate for any deformation of the natural stone. The degree of deformation and its influence on the process of laying natural stone can be classified into 3 groups : 1) Deformation of less than 0.3 mm after 24 hours is not critical.
As a rule, problems do not arise during the installation of natural stone. 2) Natural stone absorbs water, the deformation is 0.3 - 0.6 mm after 4 hours of exposure to water. A number of problems may arise during the installation process, so the correct selection of materials is necessary. 3) Natural stone absorbs water very strongly. The deformation of the slab is 0.6 mm after 4 hours of exposure to water. In such cases, it is necessary to use a water-free adhesive, for example, an epoxy-based one. Coloring .
The coloring agent penetrates into the natural stone along with water. As soon as the water evaporates, the coloring substance is concentrated and, as a result, leads to the coloring of natural stone. These substances are found in the stone itself, come from the installation adhesive, or are contained in the base. Formation of efflorescence . Lime or limestone contained in natural stone base or slabs reaches the surface and reacts with carbon dioxide from the environment to form calcium carbonate.

Both phenomena - coloring and the formation of efflorescence - have a huge impact on the appearance of natural stone and its aesthetics. Spots appear on the surface, it becomes dull and rough. Natural stone loses its natural splendor and attractiveness.

Porosity of different types of stone

The greater the porosity of natural stone, the higher the water absorption.

Laying natural stone and grouting, sound insulation, behavior in a humid environment, on balconies and terraces are discussed in detail in the brochure, which is included in the attachment. The authors of this brochure are specialists from BASF Construction Systems (BASF concern). BASF - The Chemical Company is a leader in the global chemical industry, supplying its products to a wide range of industries - from chemicals, plastics, fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. BASF's Construction Chemicals division is the world's largest manufacturer of chemical products and systems for the construction industry. For the construction industry, BASF offers material systems for laying ceramic tiles and natural stone.