History of Natural Stones

Entrance

Natural stones are important materials that have been formed as a result of billions of years of geological processes on earth and have been used for various purposes throughout human history. Thanks to their aesthetic appearance, durability and various physical properties, they have found a wide range of uses from architecture to art, technology to medicine. In this article, a detailed and scientific review will be presented about the history of natural stones, their formation processes, their areas of use in different sectors and their values.

1. History of Natural Stones

1.1. Prehistoric Period and First Uses

The use of natural stones is as old as human history. In the Paleolithic Age (Old Stone Age), people used stones to make tools for hunting, cutting and defense. Stones that can form sharp edges, such as flint (silex) and obsidian , were the basic materials for the production of the first hand axes and cutting tools.

1.2. Natural Stones in Ancient Civilizations

Egyptian Civilization : Ancient Egyptians used stones such as limestone , sandstone and granite extensively in the construction of pyramids and temples. In addition, semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli , amethyst and turquoise were preferred in the production of jewelry and ornaments.

Mesopotamia : Although the Sumerians and Babylonians used bricks in architecture, they processed hard stones such as diorite and basalt in sculptures and reliefs.

Ancient Greece and Rome : These civilizations were masters of the use of natural stones in architecture and art. Marble has been an indispensable material in sculpture and the construction of monumental structures. Structures such as the Parthenon and the Pantheon reflect the aesthetic and durability properties of marble.

1.3. The Middle Ages and the Renaissance

In the Middle Ages, natural stones played an important role, especially in the construction of cathedrals and castles . Gothic architecture exhibited the finest examples of stonework, while during the Renaissance, stones such as marble and travertine made a resurgence in art and architecture. Artists such as Michelangelo and Bernini skillfully worked marble in their works.

1.4. Modern Period

With the Industrial Revolution, the extraction and processing of natural stones became easier. Today, natural stones continue to be an indispensable element of architectural design, and are also widely used in areas such as decoration, landscaping, industrial applications and alternative medicine.

2. Formation Processes of Natural Stones

Natural stones are minerals and rocks formed as a result of geological processes. They are divided into three main categories according to their formation processes: igneous (igneous) , metamorphic (metamorphosis) and sedimentary (sedimentary) stones.

2.1. Igneous Rocks

Formation Process : Igneous rocks are formed as a result of the cooling and solidification of magma deep in the earth's crust. They contain different textures and minerals depending on the cooling rate and environmental conditions.

Examples :

Granite : It is formed by the solidification of slowly cooling magma at depths. It is hard and durable, so it is frequently used as a building material.
Basalt : It is formed from lava that cools rapidly on the surface. It has a dense and hard structure.
Obsidian : Volcanic glass formed as a result of sudden cooling. It has been used in tool making throughout history because of its ability to create sharp edges.

2.2. Metamorphic Rocks

Formation Process : Metamorphic rocks are formed when the structures and minerals of existing rocks change under high heat and pressure.

Examples :

Marble : It is formed by the metamorphosis of limestone or dolomite under high heat and pressure. It is widely used in sculpture and construction due to its homogeneous structure and aesthetic appearance.
Schist : It is formed as a result of metamorphism of minerals such as clay and mica. It has a sheet-like structure.
Gneiss : It is formed by the transformation of granite under high pressure and temperature and has a banded structure.

2.3. Sedimentary Rocks

Formation Process : Sedimentary stones are formed by the compression and cementation of sediments carried and accumulated by water, wind or glaciers over time.

Examples :

Sandstone : It is formed by the accumulation and cementation of sand grains. It is used in construction and decoration due to its porous structure.
Limestone : It is formed by the compression of calcium carbonate accumulated on the sea and ocean floors. It is used in the production of construction materials and cement.
Coal : Formed by the carbonization of plant materials under pressure over millions of years. It is important as an energy source.

3. Areas of Use of Natural Stones

Natural stones are used in many sectors and areas thanks to their physical and chemical properties.

3.1. Construction and Architecture

Building Material : Natural stones are widely used as building materials due to their durability and aesthetic appearance. They are preferred as foundation, wall, flooring, facade cladding and roofing materials.

Decoration : Stones such as marble, granite, travertine are frequently used in interior and exterior decoration. Kitchen countertops, floor coverings, stairs and fireplaces are given an aesthetic appearance with natural stones.

Monuments and Statues : Throughout history, important monuments and statues have been made of natural stones. Marble is one of the most preferred materials by sculptors.

3.2. Jewelry and Jewellery

Precious and Semi-Precious Stones : While precious stones such as diamond, emerald, sapphire, ruby are used in jewelry making, semi-precious stones such as amethyst, turquoise, agate are also popular in the jewelry industry.

Aesthetic and Energy Use : Natural stones are preferred in jewelry not only for their appearance but also for their mystical and energizing properties. For example, amethyst is believed to remove negative energy.

3.3. Industrial Uses

Abrasive and Cutting Materials : Hard stones such as quartz, corundum and diamond are used in the production of abrasive and cutting materials.

Pigment and Fillers : Some natural stones are used as pigments or fillers in paints and plastics. For example, limestone is used as a filler in paper and plastic production.

Insulation Material : Some volcanic stones such as perlite and vermiculite are used as insulation materials in the construction industry due to their light and insulating properties.

3.4. Medicine and Alternative Medicine

Lithotherapy : Lithotherapy, which believes that natural stones have positive effects on health, has an important place in alternative medicine. It is thought that different stones have different energies and balance the body.

Surgical Instruments : In the past, obsidian was used in the manufacture of surgical instruments due to its sharp edges. Today, obsidian knives are preferred in some microsurgical applications.

3.5. Technology and Electronics

Semiconductors and Optical Materials : Quartz crystals are used in oscillator and clock circuits in electronic devices. In addition, gemstones such as ruby and sapphire are important as optical materials in laser technology.

Construction Machinery and Cutting Tools : Due to its hardness, diamond is used in the production of industrial drill bits and cutting tools.