How are natural stones found in nature?

Natural stones are formed as a result of various geological processes occurring in the earth's crust and can be found in different forms in nature. These stones are formed during the formation of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks and can be found in different geological environments. Here is some basic information about how natural stones are found in nature:

1. Stones Formed from Igneous Rocks

Igneous rocks are formed by the cooling and solidification of magma deep within the Earth's crust. This process can occur underground or on the surface, resulting in the formation of a variety of natural rocks.

In Volcanic Regions: Volcanoes and lava flows are areas where stones such as obsidian, basalt, pumice stone are formed. These stones are formed by the rapid cooling of lava that comes to the surface as a result of volcanic activity.
Pegmatite Veins: Found in areas where large crystals form in the final stages of granite intrusions. Such veins may contain precious stones such as quartz, feldspar, and tourmaline.
Batholiths and Laccoliths: Large granitic intrusions, batholiths and laccoliths, are formed by the slow cooling of magma deep below the Earth. These areas usually contain rocks such as granite and diorite.

2. Stones Formed from Metamorphic Rocks

Metamorphic rocks are formed by the recrystallization of existing rocks under high pressure and temperature. This process occurs deep in the Earth's crust or in mountain-forming regions.

In Mountain Belts: During mountain-building processes, the great pressure and temperature created in the Earth's crust transforms sedimentary rocks such as limestone into metamorphic rocks such as marble. Metamorphic rocks such as schist, gneiss and garnet can also be found in such environments.
Metamorphic Bands: Metamorphic bands or belts are found in high-pressure zones formed when large blocks of Earth's crust rub together. These zones can form precious stones such as emeralds, sapphires and rubies.

3. Stones Formed from Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are formed by the deposition and compaction of materials carried by external agents such as water, wind or ice. This process is common on seabeds, riverbeds and lake bottoms.

River and Stream Beds: Rivers and streams carry away sedimentary rocks, causing the rocks to be rounded and polished. Stones such as agate, jasper and chalcedony can be found this way.
Sea and Lake Bottoms: Sedimentary deposits on the sea and lake bottoms contain fossil rocks and rocks such as limestone. Among the organic rocks formed in these environments are fossilized resin rocks such as amber.
Karst Regions: In areas where rocks dissolved by water are found, stones such as limestone and dolomite are common. Marble can also be found in these regions.

4. Alluvial Beds

It is found in alluvial deposits, flood plains and river deltas and often results in the deposition of precious stones.

Diamonds and Gold: Alluvial deposits are places where precious stones such as diamonds, sapphires, rubies and gold are deposited. These stones are formed by the accumulation of materials carried by rivers.
Placer Deposits: Placer deposits are formed when heavy minerals (e.g. gold, platinum, zircon) are carried and deposited by water currents. These deposits can be found along riverbanks and seashores.

5. Crystal Caves and Geodes

Crystal Caves: Some caves can be filled with large, clear crystals. These caves are formed when underground water dissolves minerals in rocks and recrystallizes. Places like the world-famous "Naica Crystal Cave" in Mexico contain these types of crystals.
Geodes: Geodes are hollow or semi-hollow rock cavities in which crystals can form. Minerals such as quartz, amethyst, and calcite can be found in geodes. Geodes usually form within basaltic rocks.

6. Mines and Quarries

Mines: Especially precious stones and industrial minerals are found in mines. These are places where precious stones are extracted from the earth's crust.
Quarries: Stones such as granite, marble, limestone used for construction and decoration stones are extracted from quarries. These stones are extracted in large blocks and then processed.

7. Hot Springs and Geothermal Areas

Opal: Opal is often found around hot springs or geothermal areas. In such areas, water causes minerals to accumulate and form opal stones.
Travertine: Travertine stones are formed by the accumulation of calcium carbonate around hot springs. These stones are widely used for decorative purposes.

Conclusion

Natural stones are formed by various geological processes in the earth's crust and can be found in different parts of the world. Each stone reflects the geological characteristics of the environment in which it was formed, and therefore certain stones are associated with certain geographic regions. Igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary processes determine how stones are formed in nature and in what environments they are found. This information is important for the extraction and processing of stones and increases the geological and aesthetic value of stones.