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This section provides an overview for building stone as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 20 building stone manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked building stone companies as of January, 2025: 1.Champlain Stone Ltd., 2.Stonescape Supply, 3.Fond du Lac Natural Stone.
Table of Contents
Building stone refers to rocks utilized in civil engineering and construction projects.
There are two primary types of building stone: natural stone and man-made stone. Natural stone is categorized into three groups based on its origin: igneous rock, metamorphic rock, and sedimentary rock. Igneous rock can be further classified into volcanic rock and plutonic rock. Man-made stone includes terrazzo, which is natural stone polished to a glossy finish, artificial stone hardened with cement and other materials to resemble natural stone, and polymeric artificial stone fabricated entirely artificially.
Stone is valued for its durability, fire resistance, and heat resistance, making it a preferred building material. Marble, renowned for its polished appearance, is favored for its dignified aesthetic.
Building stone finds application in various contexts due to its unique characteristics resulting from the rock formation process. Depending on factors like durability, color, texture, and pattern, stone is utilized in civil engineering, architecture, monuments, tombstones, crafts, and art.
Marble and granite are two primary classifications of stone. Marble encompasses crystalline limestone, dolomite, travertine, and serpentine, mainly employed for interior decorative purposes. In contrast, granite is predominantly used for exterior decoration and comprises granite and other metamorphic rocks like gneiss, as well as deep metamorphic rocks such as diorite.
Each type of stone possesses distinct properties.
Igneous rocks form from underground magma that rises to the surface, cools, and crystallizes. Examples include granite and andesite, primarily utilized outdoors.
Metamorphic rocks crystallize due to heat and pressure. They exhibit a shiny texture and are used indoors and outdoors.
Limestone, a typical sedimentary rock, is less robust but is utilized for walls and floors due to its water absorbency and workability.
Igneous rocks are classified into plutonic rock (granite) and volcanic rock (andesite).
Formed deep underground by slow solidification, plutonic rocks contrast with volcanic rocks, which solidify rapidly near the earth's surface. Semi-pelagic rocks solidify in the intermediate layer.
Marble and slate belong to this category. They arise from the recrystallization of pre-existing stones due to pressure or heat.
Sedimentary rocks, including limestone, sandstone, tuff, and slate, form from sedimentation without undergoing crystallization due to heat.
Different types of stones are selected based on their intended application.
Granite, prized for its strength and aesthetics, is suitable for both interior and exterior use. Andesite, durable and fire-resistant, is primarily employed for exterior building surfaces.
Marble's glossy finish lends a luxurious feel, ideal for upscale environments. Slate, with its wavy pattern, creates a dynamic spatial atmosphere.
Limestone's high absorbency makes it suitable for specific applications. Sandstone, with its muted hues, complements gardening settings. Tuff, soft, and easily workable, boasts excellent fire resistance.
Stone structure varies by type.
Andesite, originating from volcanic eruptions, exhibits in massive, columnar, or sheet forms. It consists of plagioclase and hornblende, often appearing grayish-brown without luster.
Granite forms from the slow cooling of magma underground, comprising quartz, biotite, and potassium feldspar crystals.
Marble hardens deep underground, offering extreme durability. It comes in various colors depending on the calcareous material and mineral mix, including white, gray, beige, red, green, and black.
Limestone, primarily composed of calcium carbonate, forms from accumulated pumice, shells, and volcanic debris. Sandstone results from deposited rough grains of feldspar and quartz.
Tuff forms from volcanic ejecta deposited on land or in water and solidified. Slate exhibits a uniform platy texture.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Ranking as of January 2025
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Champlain Stone Ltd. |
21.2%
|
| 2 | Stonescape Supply |
9.1%
|
| 3 | Fond du Lac Natural Stone |
9.1%
|
| 4 | Indian Creek Stone Products |
7.6%
|
| 5 | Rolling Rock Building Stone, Inc. |
7.6%
|
| 6 | Bedrock Landscape Materials |
6.1%
|
| 7 | Semco Distributing, Inc. |
6.1%
|
| 8 | Buechel Stone Corp. |
4.5%
|
| 9 | Cotswold Natural Stone |
4.5%
|
| 10 | Pacific Stonescape, Inc. |
3.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the building stone page as of January 2025. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
|
9 | 81.8% |
Canada
|
1 | 9.1% |
United Kingdom
|
1 | 9.1% |
