Whether you are building a retaining wall, laying a patio, or using them for commercial applications, selecting the right stone is an essential part of the process. Choosing the right stone for your project is very important and can make all the difference to the overall outcome and finish.
With the variety of stones available, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your project. That’s why, we at Tyne Tees Crushing have created this guide to provide you with an overview of the different types of stones, their crush strength, and how to choose the right one for your project.
With a little knowledge, you’ll be able to choose the right stone for your project and create a beautiful, long-lasting outdoor space or structure.
Considerations when Choosing the Right Stones
As a building material, stones are one of the oldest, dating back more than 10,000 years. It is also one of the most versatile materials, with a wide range of different types of stone available.
Understanding the various types of stones and their crush strength is key in selecting the right one. The type of stone you choose will depend on a number of factors, including where you plan to use it and the type of project you’re working on. Below we have provided some of the key things you should consider before choosing your materials.
Consider how the stone will be used. Is it for a patio? A pathway? A fire pit? Knowing how the stone will be used will help you determine which type of stone will be best.
Which Stone do you or your client like the most aesthetically?
Before you choose the stone for your project, you’ll want to consider your budget, and how much will it cost you or your client.
Of course, you’ll also want to make sure you choose a stone that is appropriate for the project. You don’t want to end up with a beautiful stone only to find out it breaks halfway through.
Knowing the stone’s crush strength as well as its other properties will help you find the right stone for your project, as the higher the crush strength the more likely it will not break when fitting your project.
You’ll want to consider the stone’s durability, as you will want to make sure the stone is durable enough for your project. Granite, for example, is a very durable stone, making it ideal for countertops, walkways, and landscaping.
Let’s go through some of the main types of stones on the market today.
Granite is a popular stone for countertops, fireplaces, and landscaping. It is typically used for kitchens and bathrooms as it has a lovely finish.
Limestone is commonly used for pathways and patios as it is a durable material which holds up well in all weather.
Gabbro is a great stone for commercial application as it is the cheapest and most durable on the market. However, the finish is not as aesthetically pleasing as others on our list.
Slate is a soft stone that is mostly used for roofing or tiling on homes.
Understanding stone crush strength
The crush strength of a stone is the amount of pressure it can withstand before breaking. This is measured in psi (pounds per square inch), with a higher psi meaning the stone can withstand higher pressure.
The amount of pressure a stone can withstand depends on the type of stone and where it is being used.
Granite, for example, has a higher crush strength than limestone, meaning that granite can withstand more pressure than limestone. This is why considering your stone’s crush strength is important for your project as, for example, using limestone on a pathway may be more susceptible to damage from foot traffic than granite would be.
Stones with the highest crush strength
So, which stone has the highest crushing strength?
Gabbro: 9 psi – Gabbro is a dense but overlooked stone, that is typically used in pathways and walkways. It is not as aesthetically pleasing as some of the other stones, but it makes for a good, durable stone that is perfect for commercial building works.
Granite: 6-7 psi – Granite is a dense stone and has a high level of resistance to heat, making it ideal for countertops, fireplaces, and outdoor fire pits. It is a more expensive stone, but it does make for a beautiful addition to your outdoor space.
Limestone: 3-4 psi – Limestone is also commonly used for patios and pathways. It is a softer stone and is typically less expensive than granite. While it is naturally resistant to water, you’ll want to seal it to prevent staining.
Slate: 3-4 psi – Slate is a soft stone and is used primarily for roofing and decorative projects. It is not ideal for walkways or patios, but it can make a great addition to your outdoor living space.
How to Crush Stones
Want to know how to get a commercial quantity of stones crushed and sorted? Then you need to look into crusher screening. Crusher screening is a process that involves using a crusher to break down rocks into smaller pieces and is an integral part of the stone-crushing process.
It can be used to produce aggregate or other construction materials such as gravel, sand, and rocks for your projects. This process can be used to produce a variety of different products, depending on the size and type of rock being crushed.
The first step in the crusher screening process is to select the appropriate crusher. This will depend on the type of rock to be crushed, such as hard or soft stones, and the desired size of the resulting aggregate or product.
Generally, there are two types of crushers used for crushing stones:
Jaw crushers work by squeezing the rocks between two plates. Find out more about Jaw Crushers here.
Impact crushers use a hammer to break up the material.
Once the type of crusher has been selected, the next step is to determine the size of the crusher. The size of the crusher will depend on the size of the stones to be crushed and the desired output. Looking for the perfect size crusher for your project, contact us today.
How Crusher Screening Works
Generally, crusher screens are used to further reduce the size of the stones. This is done by passing the stones through a series of screens with different sizes and shapes. The stones that are too large or too small will not pass through the screens and will be discarded.
The stones are fed into the crusher, this can be done manually or mechanically. If done manually, the stones must be placed into the crusher one by one. If done mechanically, the stones will be fed into the crusher using a feeder and conveyor belt. Once the stones have been fed into the crusher, it will then be turned on and the crushing process will begin.
The crushed stones will need to be screened again to ensure all of the desired sizes are delivered. This can be done by passing the stones through the same series of screens as before. Once the stones have been sorted and the desired sizes are present, the stones can then be used for aggregate, gravel, sand, and other products.
Crusher screening is an integral part of the stone-crushing process and is an important step that should not be overlooked.
We hope you have found this guide helpful, if you would like more information on crushed stones, aggregates or contract crusher screening, please see the resources below or contact us today.
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