Stone
Stone is one of the nobler materials to have left its indelible mark on the history of sculpture and architecture and to therefore be ever present in our cultural history.
There are seemingly endless types of stone, all of which differ in their composition and structure. Of interest to sculptors is the main mineral component of a stone as this is what will affect its workability. Other minerals will give the stone its colour and structure.
Concerning the main mineral content, there are two distinct rock types: silicas (quartz) and carbonates.
1. Silicas
Granite and sandstone, two distinctly different stones, both eminently suitable for sculpting, belong to the silica group.
1. Carbonates
Alabster, marble, travertine and limestone, also excellent stones for sculpting, belong to the carbonates.