Rocks and stones are naturally formed solid matter. They are hard, robust, and long-lasting.
They are beneficial to both men and the environment in many ways.
Uses of Rocks and Stones
- In Constructions
- For boundary fencing
- For Rainwater harvesting
- Valuable minerals and salts
- Jewelry
- In grinders.
- Idols and statues
- As Gemstones in astrology
For construction
- Stones are naturally occurring materials used in various forms for construction. They are widely used for the construction of buildings, bridges, and boundary walls.
- They are also crushed into fine chips for making concrete. These small chips are used to make pillars, plinth beams, and roof slabs.
The different ways in which rocks are used in construction include
As Blocks for walls
- Large stones are used as blocks to build basements, foundation walls, and main walls of buildings, as well as bridges.
- They are most reliable for the purpose as they are easily available, strong, and long-lasting, unlike normal clay or cement bricks.
For concrete chips
- Concrete is a mixture of stone chips, sand, and cement with water, upon setting, it becomes so hard with a fixed shape.
- This is possible due to bondage between the ingredients used in concrete.
- The rocks and stones are crushed into small chips with dimensions of 40 millimeters, 20 millimeters, and various other types for use based on the requirements.
For flooring
- A floor is made with different materials like tiles, granite, marble, and cement. Plywood and other materials.
- But of them, those made with stone like marble, polished rock, and granite are long-lasting.
- Hence, we find the floor to be mostly made of stone tiles.
For boundary markings
- Survey stones are used with markings to indicate the boundaries of land.
- Similarly, long stones are generally used for the fencing of land. They are made to stand by digging holes in the soil.
- Then metal wires are wound, connecting to a line of stones.
Rainwater harvesting
- This technique is used to harvest rainwater and recharge groundwater. Here, the ground is dug and filled with sand and pebbles.
- Thus, the beds are designed to quickly absorb the flowing rainwater into the soil, thereby enhancing groundwater levels.
Source of minerals and salts
- Rocks are made of multiple minerals. Hence, these rocks are sources of some minerals and salts.
- For example, lime or calcium carbonate is obtained from limestone.
Other rocks with important minerals include quartz,
Jewelry
- Gemstones are used to enhance the beauty and appeal of metal ornaments made from gold, silver, and platinum.
- Some of these gemstones include ruby, emerald, and cubic zirconia, among others.
- These stones are both expensive and rare. They can be shaped into a specific form required for embedding in ornaments.
For grinders And Kitchenware
- Hard stones are used in grinders, even in the current kitchens. These grinders are used for breaking down powders and pastes for a smooth finish.
- In the past, plates and utensils were made of stone to hold liquids.
Idols and statues
- Since ancient history, stones have been used to make Idols and statues as a memory of kings, saints, and other famous people.
- This is where stones find more value and demand in history.
- Sculptors use big stones to carve out religious idols and statues.
- Even some hills, like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, are carved out as Idols of previous US presidents.
- These statues are long-lasting and also environmentally friendly.
- You may have come across stories about statues that are thousands of years old.
Astrological stones
- These stones are believed to have a planetary influence. Gemstones are specific color stones that are used in astrology.
- When the radiation from these stones touches the skin, it imparts planetary benefits.
- People wear these stones in the form of rings, pendants, etc. They are said to gain betterment in life.
- For example, yellow sapphire is used to gain benefits from the planet Jupiter. Other examples of these stones are Ruby and Emerald.
