Reply to Homin, Kimn

» paleogeoff - Reply to Homin, Kimn

I tried to e-mail this reply to you but I got a failure notice when I sent it out, so I have posted my reply here in the hopes that you will check back to my geology page.

"Thank you for your interest in geology and building stones. Unfortunately I do not feel I am qualified to answer your question. I have never had much experience with using rocks as building stone. I do know that some rocks do have a specific cleavage, like schists, shale, and other metamorphic rocks, that is based on the alignment of the minerals in the rock. This cleavage often makes these types of rocks unsuitable for building material, other than as roofing material (like slate) or decorative material. The granites, gneiss's, and andesite might be better building material since they do not have a specific cleavage. A particular rock will break when a load or stress is applied based on many factors, including the amount of fractures within the rock and the mineral composition of the rock. I know many Universities have done studies to test the load strength of many rock types, but the success or failure of one specific granite does not rule out all granties.

I did find a website you might be able to learn more information at, or be able to get contacts to scientists who can answer your question. It is the site for the International Symposium on Industrial Minerals and Building Stones.

You may also check out the International Association of Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG).

I hope this helps and good luck studying in London.

-- posted by paleogeoff