Dimension stone
DESCRIPTION

Dimension stone(or called building stone) can be defined as natural rock material quarried for the purpose of obtaining blocks or slabs that meet specifications as to size (width, length, and thickness) and shape. Color, grain texture and pattern, and surface finish of the stone are normal requirements. Durability (essentially based on mineral composition and hardness and past performance), strength, and the ability of the stone to take a polish are other important selection criteria.

Although a variety of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks are used as dimension stone, the principal rock types are granite, limestone, marble, sandstone, and slate. Other varieties of dimension stone that are normally considered to be special minor types include alabaster (massive gypsum), soapstone (massive talc), and various products fashioned from natural stone.

USES

Dimension stone is used extensively in home improvements, historic preservation, exterior and interior paneling for buildings and construction applications. Most dimension stone was sold or used as rough blocks for building and construction, flagstone, curbing, ashlars and partially squared pieces, and monumental and memorial stones.

Dimension stone is sold as rough stone, primarily used in construction. Dressed stone represented 45% by tonnage and 54% by value of the total stone sold or used in U.S. Geological Survey. The largest uses of dressed stone, by tonnage, were in flagging (28%), ashlars and partially squared pieces (20%), and curbing (10%).

Article Sources:
http://www.geology.enr.state.nc.us/03072002buildingstones/NC%20building%20stones/Building%20stones/Dimension%20stone%20overview.htm