What actually is Durability, How Durable is Natural Stone?

Durability means the ability to last long without becoming damaged. In different contexts, the same object can be considered durable or not, depending on its usage.

A material for a project might need to meet many criteria to be chosen. You might usually hear about a single criterion named 'durability' in many requirements of a construction project. However, have you ever wondered why there is no single 'durable material' that is used in every building? We know there are other criteria to be considered, but in reality, the word 'durability' is more complex than you might think.

Table of contents:

1. 1. What is Durability?
2. 2. What makes an object Durable?
3. 2.1. Artificial factors
4. 2.2. Attribute of the Material
5. 3. How Durable is Natural Stone?
6. 3.1. Hardness
7. 3.2. Toughness
8. 3.3. Chemical Resistance
9. 3.4. Heat Resistance
10. 4. Conclusion

1.What is Durability?

Durability is a general attribute of an object (or material) that indicates how well that object will last over time and still retain certain specific uses. This definition comprises two key aspects: 'how well it lasts over time' and 'retains specific uses.'

For example, a smooth, thin stone tile might be considered durable indoors if it can withstand several years of lightweight traffic and still maintain its aesthetic appearance with only a few scratches. However, for landscaping applications like driveways, this type of tile would not be considered durable because it would quickly break under heavy loads. In such cases, a thick, rough stone paver is more suitable. It might acquire some scratches over time but will remain intact.

In the example above, we can see that there are various attributes that contribute to an object's durability depending on its intended use. With pavers, durability is primarily defined by their ability to withstand heavy traffic, while with tiles, the focus is more on scratch resistance. Therefore, a tile is considered durable if it shows minimal signs of wear and tear during use.

2.What makes an object Durable?

There are different factors that contribute to an object's durability, ensuring its ability to last and perform its original function over time. We separate it into two groups: the artificial factors and attributes of the material itself.

2.1.Artificial factors

With various applications, the same material can be manufactured in different ways to incorporate additional attributes into the object. Some of the factors to consider include:

Size and Shape: The thickness of a material relative to its main surface area greatly affects its ability to withstand pressure on that surface. This is why indoor tiles are often thinner and larger, as they experience lower daily traffic pressure, while outdoor pavers are typically designed to be smaller and thicker to maintain their integrity.

Surface Finishes: Surface finishes serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, indicating certain attributes of the object and its intended applications. From a durability standpoint, rough surfaces tend to be more resistant to wear and abrasion in outdoor environments. However, they may be more prone to corrosion as they allow water and other substances to accumulate on the surface, facilitating chemical reactions that can cause damage.

Protective Coating: To maintain the original appearance of a material, people often apply various coatings to the object's surface. These coatings serve as a barrier between the material and its environment, offering protection against unwanted chemical reactions. Additionally, they might help prevent scratches and stains resulting from daily activities, especially in kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

2.2.Attribute of the Material

The material itself possesses several attributes that are crucial for considering its durability in various applications. These attributes can be broadly expressed in two dimensions: hardness and toughness.

Hardness refers to a material's resistance to being scratched, dented, or indented when subjected to an applied force. The Mohs scale is a well-known scale used to measure the hardness of materials. Put simply, hardness can be understood as a material's scratch resistance, where materials with higher hardness can scratch or cut those with lower hardness. Materials with high hardness are typically suitable for high-contact activities where abrasion and impact often occur.

Toughness, on the other hand, measures a material's ability to absorb energy and withstand the application of force without breaking or fracturing. It is a combination of strength and ductility. In simple terms, a material is considered tough if it can absorb a significant amount of energy before failing. Tough materials can deform, bend, or yield under stress while remaining intact. This stands in contrast to brittle materials that tend to fracture or break suddenly when subjected to stress or impact. Consequently, tough materials are commonly used in structures that sustain heavy loads.

There are other attributes that can also influence the durability of a material, such as:

• Density: Materials with high density often exhibit high hardness.
• Composition: The chemical composition of a material dictates how it interacts with its environment. If a material is reactive, soluble, or has low heat resistance, it may be susceptible to damage in specific situations, which can affect its overall durability.
• Atomic Structure: Consider diamonds as a greate example. Diamonds rank at the highest level (10) on the Mohs hardness scale and are challenging to deform. However, with the application of the right angular force, individuals can cleave or cut a diamond into desired shapes due to its internal crystal structure.

3.How Durable is Natural Stone?

Natural stone is a range of many different types of stone; therefore, its ability to withstand the test of time may vary. We will compare three different types of stone - granite, basalt, and limestone - using four criteria related to their durability to provide you with context regarding their durability and practical uses.

3.1.Hardness:

• Granite: Granite is known for its high hardness. It typically ranks around 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it quite resistant to scratching and abrasion.
• Basalt: Basalt is also relatively hard, typically ranking between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale. It is resistant to scratching but slightly softer than granite.
• Limestone: Limestone is softer than both granite and basalt. It usually ranks between 3 and 4 on the Mohs scale, making it more susceptible to scratching and wear.

3.2Toughness:

• Granite: Granite is tough and resistant to fractures, making it suitable for applications that require durability and impact resistance.
• Basalt: Basalt is known for its toughness and ability to withstand significant stress and impacts, which makes it suitable for applications where structural integrity is important.
• Limestone: Limestone is generally less tough than granite and basalt. It can be more prone to fractures and may not be as resilient in high-stress applications.

3.3.Chemical Resistance:

• Granite: Granite is relatively resistant to most common chemicals found in household and industrial environments. However, it can be affected by prolonged exposure to acidic substances.
• Basalt: Basalt is typically more chemically resistant than granite and is less likely to be affected by acidic substances. It is often used in applications where chemical resistance is important.
• Limestone: Limestone is less chemically resistant than both granite and basalt. It can be sensitive to acidic materials as it is a carbonate rock, and may undergo chemical reactions when exposed to acids.

3.4.Heat Resistance:

• Granite: Granite is highly heat-resistant and can withstand high temperatures without significant damage. It is commonly used for kitchen countertops or slabs and other applications exposed to heat.
• Basalt: Basalt is also heat-resistant and can withstand moderate to high temperatures. It is used in applications where heat resistance is required.
• Limestone: Limestone is less heat-resistant than granite and basalt. It can be affected by high temperatures and may experience thermal expansion and contraction.

4.Conclusion

In summary, granite is known for its high hardness, toughness, and heat resistance, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Basalt is also hard and tough, with good chemical resistance and is heat resilient. Limestone, while less hard and tough, is still used in various applications but may require more care when exposed to certain chemicals and high temperatures.

It's important to note that some applications don't require the stone to have high hardness and toughness to remain intact for a long time, and there are various criteria to consider, such as the overall aesthetic look of the projects. Additionally, durability is influenced by the manufacturing process, so selecting the right source of natural stone is also crucial.

If this is the case, we take pride in being here to assist you. A Plus offers a selection of basalt, granite, and blue limestone, all available in custom cut-to-size options and various surface finishes. We maintain extensive natural stone reserves and factories in Vietnam, ready for export to your stockyard or projects.