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Among all tasks the selection of suitable stone for exterior and interior decoration is the most challenging task for the architectural/structural/civil engineer. They must know the various requirements and specifications and dimensions of the stones before selection. Knowledge of the general parameters and quality aspects of stones are required before utilizations. In many instances civil engineers/architects will prefer the required stones on the basis of colour textural characters .In few instances stones which are utilized for specific design not suited due to color masking and other inherent defects made the stone not suited for that particular design. All available natural rock deposits are not suitable for architectural and civil engineering works. Indian granites (commercial rock deposits) are sought by many countries of the world because of variety of colors and good hardness due to which it takes mirror polish and visual appeal of numerous patterns and designs. The success of commercial stone industry primarily depends upon the production of defect free rock/stone blocks. India possesses extensive commercial rock deposits. It has been estimated that there are 300 known varieties of ornamental/commercial rock deposits in the world. India possesses more than 150 varieties of natural/commercial rock deposits. The Pre-Cambrian crystalline shield of south India in particular is made up varied igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks of varying types. General requirements for selection of quality ornamental/dimensional blocks for various specifications are(i.) Availability (ii) Workability (iii) Durability (iv) Color stability (v) Grain size and texture.(vi)Rock Engineering specifications for specific architectural/engineering design (vii) Civil engineering /architectural/geotechnical requirements foundations requirements (includes ) coastal engineering/Coastal protection, Road and railway aggregate, Concrete aggregate, Decorative and ornamental, exterior and interior decorations (viii)Stone tiles, monuments, panels, fancy items etc . Stone world trade is being marketing most of the rocks on the trade name of granites or commercial /trade names. Generally construction industry favors for selection of nearby site to the plat where the processing operation is being installed .In few geological conditions quality rock deposits are not available for site where they required. In few instances local contractor will supply the stone products from near by sites avoiding quality rock deposit from far away places. Site specific studies are to be maintained commencing from geological investigations. Geological parameters plays significant role on workability, availability, textural, structural, durability etc. Rock mechanical properties, in-situ testing of commercial rock deposits are to be carried out before planning for commercial utilization of rocks. Key words: Commercial rock deposit, requirements, geological parameters
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