What Are Rocks Used For?
Construction
Rocks are used for different things depending on their properties. Many Igneous and Metamorphic rocks can be used for construction purposes as they are extremely hard and can withstand weathering, eroding more slowly. Rocks such as marble and granite have been utilized in the construction of many buildings, in fact many famous buildings such as the Parthenon in Athens, Greece have marble involved in their construction. These rocks are attractive as well as hard meaning that they are even more suitable as the buildings would be attractive as well as practical.
Granite is also used for work surfaces within buildings due to it being easy to cut and to obtain a flat, shiny surface which is attractive as well as resistant to damage from knives and other implements. Slate is a brittle metamorphic rock which is useful as it can easily be separated into thin layers which are an appropriate material for roof tiles. Many roofs are tiled in slate.
Construction
Rocks are used for different things depending on their properties. Many Igneous and Metamorphic rocks can be used for construction purposes as they are extremely hard and can withstand weathering, eroding more slowly. Rocks such as marble and granite have been utilized in the construction of many buildings, in fact many famous buildings such as the Parthenon in Athens, Greece have marble involved in their construction. These rocks are attractive as well as hard meaning that they are even more suitable as the buildings would be attractive as well as practical.
Granite is also used for work surfaces within buildings due to it being easy to cut and to obtain a flat, shiny surface which is attractive as well as resistant to damage from knives and other implements. Slate is a brittle metamorphic rock which is useful as it can easily be separated into thin layers which are an appropriate material for roof tiles. Many roofs are tiled in slate.
Decoration, Cosmetics and Weaponry
Many rocks, usually igneous and metamorphic, are attractive due to their crystalline structure so they are used for decorative purposes. Marble and granite are used for statues and gemstones and rocks containing minerals such as quartz (e.g. dolerite and rhyolite) can be used for smaller decorations. Obsidian has some magical significance and its translucence and glass-like sheen make it appealing for usage as a decoration. Furthermore, Obsidian is relatively brittle and breaks leaving sharp edges, meaning that is relatively suitable for usage as weapons. Swords and arrowheads formed from obsidian have been discovered.
Pumice has a rough, bubbly surface meaning that it is suitable for exfoliation. Pumice prepared for cosmetic use is widely available throughout the world. Ground up gemstones were previously used as cosmetics and/ or healing but this practice has been largely abandoned. Gemstones and obsidian are also used in jewelry due to their attractive appearances.
Many rocks, usually igneous and metamorphic, are attractive due to their crystalline structure so they are used for decorative purposes. Marble and granite are used for statues and gemstones and rocks containing minerals such as quartz (e.g. dolerite and rhyolite) can be used for smaller decorations. Obsidian has some magical significance and its translucence and glass-like sheen make it appealing for usage as a decoration. Furthermore, Obsidian is relatively brittle and breaks leaving sharp edges, meaning that is relatively suitable for usage as weapons. Swords and arrowheads formed from obsidian have been discovered.
Pumice has a rough, bubbly surface meaning that it is suitable for exfoliation. Pumice prepared for cosmetic use is widely available throughout the world. Ground up gemstones were previously used as cosmetics and/ or healing but this practice has been largely abandoned. Gemstones and obsidian are also used in jewelry due to their attractive appearances.
Uses of Sedimentary Rocks
Sedimentary rocks are sometimes used as architectural stone, sometimes crushed as a component or individually. Sandstone is used in the manufacturing of cement which is vital in many modern buildings and these rocks are present in some significant buildings. Sandstone can be crushed back to sand for usage in some buildings and gravel is formed predominantly of sedimentary rocks. Rock gypsum can be used in plaster and wall boards also essential in the modern world and arkose is used for creating millstones
Limestone is used as a pH regulator in farming due to its alkalinity, chalk is used for drawing on blackboards, rock salt can be filtered to obtain table salt or used as itself in the chemical industry and chert was previously used to create weapons and cutting tools.