Detailed Review of Natural Stones

Natural stones are composed of minerals that have been formed as a result of processes that have occurred in the earth's crust over millions of years and have been used for various purposes since the beginning of human history. Natural stones attract attention not only with their aesthetic value but also with their industrial, scientific and cultural importance. In this article, the history of natural stones, their areas of use, their formation processes and their ranking according to their values ​​will be discussed in detail.

History of Natural Stones

The use of natural stones dates back to prehistoric times. Early humans used natural stones to make cutting tools, weapons and ornaments. In the Stone Age, stones such as flint and obsidian were used extensively for these purposes. Throughout history, stones such as marble, granite and sandstone have been widely used in architectural structures, monuments and sculptures. In ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilizations, natural stones were highly valued both as construction materials and as raw materials for artistic works.

In the Middle Ages, the use of natural stones for talisman and healing purposes became widespread. Especially in Europe, it was believed that different stones were good for various diseases. There are many works written about the mystical properties of stones in these periods. Today, natural stones continue to be used for both decorative and functional purposes.

Usage Areas of Natural Stones

Natural stones are used in a wide variety of areas thanks to their physical and chemical properties:

1. Architecture and Construction: Stones such as marble, granite, travertine and sandstone are used in exterior facades of buildings, floor coverings, countertops and monuments. They are preferred due to their durability and aesthetic appearance.

2. Jewelry and Gemstones: Precious stones such as diamond, sapphire, emerald, ruby ​​are used in jewelry making. These stones have high value due to their rarity and workability.

3. Industrial Use: Stones such as quartz, limestone, and basalt are used in industrial applications. For example, quartz is used in electronic circuits and limestone is used in cement production.

4. Decorative Purposes: Stones such as amethyst, agate, labradorite are preferred in interior decoration, sculptures and ornaments. These stones add aesthetic value to the space with their colors and patterns.

5. Alternative Medicine: Today, natural stones are used in alternative medicine, energy therapies and meditation practices. Especially in crystal healing therapies, stones such as amethyst and rose quartz are common.

Formation Processes of Natural Stones

The formation of natural stones occurs through magmatic, metamorphic and sedimentary processes in the earth's crust:

1. Igneous Rocks: They are formed as a result of the cooling and solidification of molten rocks called magma. Stones such as granite, basalt, diorite are in this group.

2. Metamorphic Rocks: They are formed by the transformation of existing rocks under high temperature and pressure. Stones such as marble, schist and gneiss are examples of metamorphic rocks.

3. Sedimentary Stones: These are stones formed as a result of the disintegration, transportation and accumulation of rocks in sedimentary environments. Stones such as limestone, sandstone and gypsum are among the sedimentary stones.

The Most Expensive and Cheapest Natural Stones

The value of natural stones varies depending on their rarity, aesthetic appearance and processing difficulty:

• The Most Expensive Stones:
  • Diamond: Known as the most precious stone, diamond has high value due to its hardness, brilliance and rarity.
  • Ruby: Drawing attention with its red color, ruby ​​is among the high-priced stones due to its rarity and excellent clarity.
  • Emerald: Known for its green color, emerald is considered very valuable when it has a flawless crystal structure.
• Cheapest Stones:
  • Quartz: This very common stone is known as an affordable stone with its low cost and different color options.
  • Calcite: Calcite, the main component of limestone rock, is cheap due to its easy workability and widespread availability.
  • Hematite: This stone, which contains iron oxide, is affordable due to its abundance and easy processing.

Conclusion

Natural stones are of great importance to humanity with their thousands of years of history, wide range of uses and aesthetic values. The formation processes and chemical compositions of stones make them indispensable in different areas. The prices of natural stones vary greatly according to their availability, aesthetic values ​​and rarity. In both art and industry, natural stones continue to be indispensable raw materials.

The correct use of these stones provides great advantages both in terms of aesthetics and functionality. Therefore, natural stones continue to be a valuable and important resource not only in the past but also today.