Stone Testing

An excerpt from the Dimension Stone Design Manual,

Version VIII (May 2016)

Produced and Published by the

Marble Institute of America
380 East Lorain St. Oberlin, Ohio 44074
Telephone: 440-250-9222
Fax: 440-774-9222
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© 2016
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by means
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system, without written permission from the Natural Stone Institute.
Stone Testing slicing the stone thin with an ultraprecision,
thin-blade diamond saw. The stone slice on a
slide is then precision-ground to a precise
1.0 INTRODUCTION thickness of about 20 to 30 microns. At that
thickness most minerals, regardless of color,
1.1 General. Testing evaluates the are translucent and can be studied under a
suitability of a specific stone for a particular microscope. In this way minerals can be
application. The strength of the stone is tested identified, the crystal or fragment boundaries
to determine its resistance to crushing and can be evaluated, and incipient microfractures
bending. The density, or specific gravity, is can be seen, as can any chemical degradation
tested to design a support system capable of that may weaken stone, permit water entry, or
carrying the weight of the stone. The amount allow unanticipated breakup.
of water the stone will absorb (absorption rate)
will help determine the resistance of the stone 1.3.2 Exact identification of the minerals by
to staining and freezing. The stone’s wear thin section is a subjective, experience-based
resistance and slip resistance are crucial in skill and is largely being replaced by exact
flooring applications. methods of chemical analysis. Having both the
thin section and chemical analysis is the
1.2 ASTM tests, many of which are preferred procedure, as the physical features
conducted within engineering parameters, do can be seen documented on known mineral
not include petrographic and other geologic crystals or grains.
tests useful to evaluating stone behavior
through time in adverse environmental 1.4 X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis is
settings. If and when a failure occurs, questions one of the tried-and-true analytical techniques
about what went wrong and why are asked; used for decades in petrology and remains the
however, test data reviewed frequently may preferred technique in certain situations.
not reveal information useful to answer these However, more modern analytical techniques
questions. Stone behavior is directly related to have evolved that are far more precise, analyze
the behavior of the mineral or minerals that
far more compounds and elements, and are
make up the stone. Knowing something about rapidly replacing XRD for most routine
physical and chemical characteristics of the purposes.
common minerals found in stone can be very
useful in understanding its behavior. 1.5 Lithogeochemistry, the chemical
analysis of stone, relies on many new
1.3 Petrography is the science of procedures too numerous to attempt
description and classification of rocks. A explanation here. The following are just a few
petrograpic analysis can be arranged through notable lithogeochemical analysis procedures:
most construction material laboratories. A
comprehensive petrographic analysis will often 1.5.1 Instrumental Neutron Activation
suffice to answer many behavioral questions. Analysis (INAA)
Other, more sophisticated analyses performed
in well-equipped chemical laboratories to 1.5.2 Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AA)
determine exact chemical and trace element
content can also be useful. 1.5.3 Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission
Spectroscopy (ICP-OES)
1.3.1 Perhaps the most common and time-
tested petrologic studies use thin sections of 1.5.4 X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XFS)
stone. These are prepared by polishing small
samples very flat, gluing them to glass
microscope slides (1" x 3" to 2" x 3"), and

 2016 Marble Institute of America Stone Testing • Page 4-1

1.5.5 Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission formally reaffirmed without change in 1994.
Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) The latest edition should be used. Copies of
ASTM standards can be obtained from ASTM
1.5.6 A few grams of a stone can be International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West
qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428-2959
accurately for bulk stone chemical content plus U.S.A. Telephone 610.832.9585. Copies can
more than 53 trace elements–some to also be ordered through ASTM’s web site and
fractional parts per billion. downloaded electronically. The Internet
address is www.astm.org.
1.5.7 Although the ASTM Committee on
Stone, C-18, has yet to include petrologic tests 2.3 ASTM Standard Specifications. In
in their repertoire, lithogeochemistry is addition to the standard test methods, ASTM
already quality-standardized by the has developed a series of standard specifications
International Organization for Standardization prescribing the minimum performance of each
(ISO). ISO/IEC Guide 25 is an accreditation kind of stone when tested in accordance with
that many laboratories have because of the the standard test methods. The ASTM
importance of these studies in the global Standards and Specifications are listed in
mineral-extraction industries. Chapter 2.

2.0 ASTM STANDARD TEST 2.3.1 These specifications are the standard
METHODS AND methods for determining the characteristics of
building stone needed for proper design for a
SPECIFICATIONS
particular application. They should be
performed with care and the results used with
2.1 ASTM International, formerly
an understanding of their intent and
known as the American Society for Testing and
limitations. An independent testing laboratory
Materials, has developed several standard test
properly equipped and capable of performing
methods to evaluate stone characteristics so
the tests should perform all tests. Stone
that stones can be compared on a uniform basis.
Producers or Distributors, Associations, and
The Marble Institute of America recommends
other Promotional Organizations may publish
ASTM methods and standards for dimension
typical test values. While these values can serve
stone as guidelines for specification and
as a guide, current tests should be conducted
installation. ASTM International is the world’s
on the actual stone to be used for a particular
largest voluntary standards development
project.
organization. Note that stone testing according
to European methods and conditions may use
2.4 Review for Suitability. ASTM test
different procedures that give different results
results for various stones are guidelines and
than do ASTM methods for the same stone.
information on the stone characteristics. In
This is particularly true of tests for abrasion
many cases, an Engineer should be employed
(wear). The ASTM Standard Test Methods are
to review the results of the test data and
listed in Chapter 2.
compare with actual installation methods to
determine if the stone is suitable for the
2.2 Current Standards. ASTM standards
application in the specified thickness suggested,
are revised from time to time. A revised
and if not, what changes should be employed to
version is indicated with a hyphen followed by
make the stone work as intended for the job in
a two-digit number after the basic designation
question. Evaluation and/or testing of
of the standard, e.g., ASTM C119-11, showing
compatibility of grouts, sealers, setting
that it was revised in 2011. An additional
methods, and anchoring must be performed
number in parentheses, e.g., ASTM C97-
along with the stone.
92(1994), indicates that the 1992 edition was

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3.0 OVERVIEW OF STANDARD sedimentary stone such as slate, than in a stone
TEST METHODS with a less definite rift, such as some igneous
stones. The variation also depends on how
3.1 Stone Uniformity. Stone is a product strongly the layers are cemented or adhered to
of nature, and as such, it varies. The properties each other. To determine the variation,
of stone from one part of a quarry may not be strength tests are conducted with the load
truly representative of the same stone from a parallel and perpendicular to the rift. For
different part of the quarry. Some Architects general information only one direction is
specify strength-testing specimens from each tested, but the Specifying Authority may
quarry block to verify sufficient uniformity for specify testing in both directions to ensure that
the application. At the very least, current test the stone strength is adequate for the
results should be used because they are more application. When specimens are submitted for
apt to reflect the stone currently being such testing, it is important that the rift be
quarried. clearly marked. The strength tests can be
conducted by four conditions, wet or dry, and
3.2 Wet/Dry Testing. For most tests, the with the load parallel or perpendicular to the
stone specimens are tested dry. However, rift.
since the strength may vary when the stone is
wet, the strength tests (i.e. compressive 3.4 Horizontal Applications. ASTM
strength, flexural strength, modulus of C99, Standard Test Method for Modulus of
rupture) are sometimes performed using wet Rupture of Dimension Stone, ASTM C170,
stone specimens. For the dry condition, the Standard Test Method for Compressive
stone specimens are dried in an oven at 60°C Strength of Dimension Stone, and ASTM
±2°C (140°F ±2°F) for at least 48 hours or C880, Standard Test Method for Flexural
until the weight does not change with Strength of Dimension Stone test results are
additional drying. For the wet condition, the not suitable to use for horizontal (floor)
stone specimens are soaked in water at 22°C applications where the thickness of the stone
±2°C (72°F ±2°F) for 48 hours, wiped, and tile being used is less than 1¼".
immediately tested. For general “catalog type”
information, the stone is usually tested in a dry 3.5 Limitations of Thin Stone Pavers.
condition. The Specifying Authority may It is the position of the Marble Institute of
specify additional wet testing for a particular America that stones less than 1¼", when used
project to ensure that the stone will have for paving, do not possess any structural
adequate strength for the application. qualities other than abrasion resistance. The
flexural, compressive, and breaking strengths
3.3 Testing Parallel/Perpendicular these thin stones have will not materially
with the Rift. The strength of stone also improve the engineering quality of the
varies with the relation of the load or force to designed surface. These thin stones are
the direction of the “rift” of the stone. The rift furnished for their aesthetic appearance and to
is the plane of easiest splitting of the stone. supply abrasion resistance only.
Consider that a block of stone is like a deck of
cards with rift direction corresponding to the
plane of the cards. The cards are like the layers
of the stone. The stone will be weaker if the
applied loads tend to make the cards (layers)
slide against each other than if the load is
applied to squeeze the cards against each other.
The variation in strength is likely to be greater
in a stone with a more pronounced rift, like a

 2016 Marble Institute of America Stone Testing • Page 4-3

4.0 ABSORPTION AND BULK 4.3 Slate. The water absorption test for
SPECIFIC GRAVITY TESTING OF slate, ASTM C121, uses different-size
specimens. They should be 4" square and the
DIMENSION STONE
“as cleft” thickness, which is typically ¼" to
3/8". Otherwise, the procedure is the same.
4.1 Water absorption is a measure of the
porosity of a stone and can be an indicator of its
4.4 Stone Density. The density of the
susceptibility to damage during freezing. A
stone indicates the unit weight of the stone,
stone that has greater water absorption will
which is necessary for the Architect or
also tend to absorb liquid stains more readily.
Engineer who is designing the structure to
In general, the lowest water absorption is
support the stone. The standard specifications
desired. The absorption is expressed as the
prescribe minimum densities. The minimum
percent weight change due to absorbed water.
densities are used to classify stones. For
The maximum allowable water absorption for
example, there are three classes of limestone,
each type of stone is prescribed in the standard
with each class having a different density as well
specifications for that specific stone. The
as different strength requirements. Generally,
required values range from 0.20% for marble
a higher-density stone is probably harder, less
to 12% for low-density limestone. According
porous, and stronger, but this is not always the
to ASTM C97, at least 3 specimens, as
case. Note that there is no density for slate
described for the density determination, are
specified in ASTM C629, although it could be
dried and weighed. It is important that the
determined, if desired, using the procedure of
surface not be fractured by the cutting process
ASTM C97.
because these fractures will increase water
absorption. The specimens are then soaked in
4.5 Specific Gravity is the ratio of the
water for 48 hours, wiped dry, and weighed
density of the stone to the density of water. If
again. The difference in weights is divided by
a stone has a specific gravity of 2.6, it is 2.6
the dry weight and multiplied by 100 to give
times as heavy as water. Density is expressed as
the percentage of water absorption. Variations
pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft3) or kilograms per
in the wiping of the wet specimen before
cubic meter (kg/m3). The density in lb/ft3 can
weighing will cause variations in the result. The
be determined by multiplying the specific
standard test method describes removing the
gravity by 62.4 (the weight of 1 cubic foot of
specimens from the water and surface drying
water) or by multiplying by 1000 for the
with a damp cloth, but this is still somewhat
density in kg/m3. One lb/ft3 equals 16.02
subjective. A dryer wet specimen will result in
kg/m3. The specific gravity is the same in both
a lower absorption number.
measurement systems.
4.2 Specimen Thickness. This standard
4.6 Stone Dry and Wet Weights. The
requires that the specimens have minimum
dry weight of the stone specimen is divided by
dimensions of 2 inches. However, sometimes
the volume. The specimen should be a cube,
the stone is not available in that thickness,
cylinder, or other regular solid with the
especially flooring material, which may be only
dimensions between 2 and 3 inches. The
3/4" or 3/8". Depending on the porosity of
surface should be reasonably smooth, e.g.,
the stone, testing these thinner specimens may
saw, core drill or better, but no chisels or tools
result in an “apparent” water absorption higher
which tend to fracture the stone. At least 3
than if the standard-sized specimens were used.
specimens should be tested and the results
During the soaking, water may not be absorbed
averaged. The dry weight of each specimen is
to the center of the standard specimen, but
determined after drying 48 hours. The stone is
water might be absorbed to the center of the
then soaked in water for 48 hours, wiped
thinner specimens.
almost dry, and weighed. It is then suspended

Page 4-4 • Stone Testing  2016 Marble Institute of America

in water by fine wire and the suspended weight newton per square meter. Occasionally, the
is measured. The difference between the two strength is expressed as kilograms/square
weight measurements in grams is the volume in meter (kg/m2), which is technically incorrect
cubic centimeters (one cubic centimeter of because the kilogram is a unit of mass while the
water has a mass of 1 gram). The dry weight in newton is a unit of force (or weight). In the
grams divided by the volume in cubic U.S. system, we tend to think of mass and
centimeters is the specific gravity. The specific weight interchangeably. Therefore, when a
gravity is multiplied by 62.4 to obtain the weight or force is intended, the term used is
density in lb/ft3. Subtracting a tare weight of pound force (lbf).
the suspended wire in water provides a
correction for the mass of the fine wire. The following conversions can be used:
1 lbf/in2(psi) = 6,895 pascals (Pa)
4.6.1 This method of measuring the volume is 1 lbf/in2 (psi) = 4.882 kilograms/square
based on the principle that a body suspended in meter (kg/m2)
water has an apparent weight loss equal to the 1 kg/m2 = 9.807 Pa
volume of water displaced. In the metric The terms kilopascal (kPa) and megapascal
system, the 1 cubic centimeter of water has a (MPa) are used for 1,000 Pa and 1,000,000 Pa,
weight of 1 gram. In other words, there is a respectively.
buoyant force on the object equal to the weight
of the water displaced. 5.3 Compressive Strength of
Dimension Stone. Compressive strength is a
5.0 STRENGTH TESTING OF measure of the resistance to crushing loads. If
DIMENSION STONE one were to build a stone wall, for example,
the stone at the bottom would have to
5.1 Compressive Loads and Strength. withstand the compressive load of the weight
The loads on a material such as stone are of the stones above. A stone floor must be able
expressed as the applied force divided by the to bear the crushing loads of people, furniture,
area which must bear the material. For and other objects on the floor. The
example, the compressive (crushing) load on a compressive strength is the maximum load per
floor caused by a flat-bottomed round planter unit area that the stone can bear without
is the weight of the planter (including the soil crushing. A higher compressive strength
and plants) divided by the area of the bottom of indicates that the stone can withstand a higher
the planter. The compressive strength of the crushing load. The required values range from
floor is the maximum compressive load the 1,800 psi (12.45 MPa) for marble to 19,000 psi
floor material can bear without crushing or (131 MPa) for granite. To determine the
deforming more than is allowed. In practice, compressive strength, at least 5 specimens are
the allowable loads in actual use are less than tested in ASTM 170. They should be cubes at
the maximum loads that a material can least 2" to 3" on each side. Each face must be
withstand during testing, to provide a safety perfectly flat and they must be parallel or
factor. In all structural design, the maximum perpendicular with each other. Faces must be
material strengths are reduced by a safety smooth with no tool marks and there should be
factor to establish the allowable design no nicks at the corners. The faces must be
strengths. The safety factor allows for honed or polished with no saw marks or other
variations in the material strength, possible tool marks remaining. Any flaws in the
overloads in use, and similar considerations. specimens can result in a lower compressive
strength. In some instances, the testing
5.2 Strength Units of Measure. The laboratory may have to refinish the specimens
strengths are expressed as pounds/square inch to produce surfaces sufficiently flat for testing.
(psi) or pascals (Pa). A pascal is a force of 1

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5.3.1 The compressive strength can be there should be no nicks at the corners. The
determined in the dry or wet condition and faces should be honed or polished with no saw
with the load parallel or perpendicular to the marks or other tool marks remaining. Any
rift. For the dry and wet conditions, the flaws in the specimens can result in an apparent
specimens are dried or soaked for 48 hours as low modulus of rupture strength. The flexural
described in the density test. For the (bending) strength may be tested in a dry or
compressive strength testing, the specimen is wet condition and with the load parallel or
placed on the flat plate of the testing machine perpendicular to the rift. The specimens must
and increasing loads are applied to the top of be dried or soaked for 48 hours. For the
the specimen through another flat plate. The modulus of rupture test, the stone specimen is
test apparatus allows the top plate to swivel on laid flat on two crosswise parallel steel edges 7"
a ball joint to adjust for any slight slope on the apart. The 7" span allows the 8" long specimen
top of the specimen. The rift of the specimens to overhang the supports by ½” at each end.
should be vertical for the load to be parallel to The supports of the fixture are gimbaled to
the rift, or horizontal for the load to be accommodate any warp of the test specimen
perpendicular to the rift. and prevent the introduction of torsional
stresses applied to the stone. The test load, or
5.4 Bending Strength. The tests for force, is applied to the center of the top of the
modulus of rupture, ASTM C99 and ASTM specimen through another crosswise edge. The
C120 (Slate), and for flexural strength, ASTM load is increased until the specimen breaks.
C880, determine the strength of the stone in The flexural strength is then calculated from a
bending. A stone or door lintel must resist the formula based on the geometry of the test
bending loads from the weight of the stone. A condition.
veneer must bear bending loads, between
anchor points, from exterior wind loads or 5.5.1 If the specimens are to be tested with the
persons leaning against interior veneers. Floor load perpendicular to the rift, then the rift
stone must bridge possible gaps in the grout or plane must be parallel to the 4" x 8" faces.
thin-set support. For all three tests, the stone Returning to the card deck analogy, the “deck”
specimens are supported near the ends and a of the specimen must be placed flat on the
downward load applied to the top. The supports. If the specimens are to be tested with
modulus of rupture tests, ASTM C99 and the load parallel to the rift, the plane of the rift
ASTM C120, prescribe applying the load to a must be parallel to the 2¼" x 4" ends of the
single point at mid-span. The flexural strength specimen. In the analogy, several decks would
test, ASTM C880, prescribes applying the load have to be stacked up to a height corresponding
simultaneously to two points, each one quarter to the 8" specimen length, and the card stack
of the span from the end support. The flexural or specimen would be placed so the cards are
strength is expressed as lb/in2 or Pa. A higher on edge with each card parallel to the
flexural strength or modulus of rupture supporting edges. This is illustrated in ASTM
indicates a higher bending strength. The C99.
required minimum values range from 400 psi
(2.8 MPa) for low-density limestone to 10.3 5.5.2 In general, the flexural strength with the
MPa for granite. load parallel to the rift will be less than that
with the load perpendicular to the rift. The
5.5 Modulus of Rupture of Dimension variation would be greater for a stone with a
Stone. ASTM C99 requires a minimum of 3 more pronounced rift than for a stone with a
specimens that are 4"x 8"x 2¼" thick. All of rift less distinct.
the faces, except the ends, must be flat and be
parallel or perpendicular with each other. The
faces must be smooth with no tool marks and

Page 4-6 • Stone Testing  2016 Marble Institute of America

5.6 Flexure Testing of Slate. The nicks at the corners. Faces should be honed or
modulus of rupture testing for slate, specified polished with no saw marks or other tool marks
in ASTM C120, is somewhat different than remaining. Any flaws in the specimens can
C99. The specimens are 12" x 1½" x 1" thick. result in a lower flexural strength. Since the
Rubbing or sanding the cleft faces achieves the length of the specimens serves only to provide
specified 1" thickness. Six specimens are sufficient overhang, exact length is not critical
required: 3 with length parallel to the rift, and to the results.
3 with length perpendicular to the rift. For the
test, the span between the supporting knife 5.7.1 The second difference that distinguishes
edges is 10". the ASTM C880 flexural strength test from the
modulus of rupture tests is that the flexural
While these test methods are useful, they have strength test is conducted with quarter-point
certain limitations. Since the specimen for loading. That is, the test load on the top of the
ASTM C99 is always 2¼" thick (or 1" for specimen is not applied to a single location at
ASTM C120), the test does not indicate any midspan, but rather, the total test load is split,
reduction in the strength for thinner stone with half of the load applied at each of two
when used as a veneer or for flooring. They are points one quarter of the span from the
valid for thicker sections. Because of the supports, In this way, the entire center half of
midspan loading, any weakness that is not in the specimen is subjected to the same
the center third (approximately) of the maximum bending forces. Thus any local
specimen will usually not affect the strength weakness, as from a vein, is more likely to be
value determined by the test. These limitations reflected in the resulting flexural (bending)
are overcome by the flexural strength test of strength.
ASTM C880.
5.7.2 The flexural strength test can be
5.7 Flexure Testing of Dimension performed in the dry or wet condition and with
Stone. The flexural strength test of ASTM the load parallel or perpendicular to the rift.
C880 is similar to the modulus of rupture tests, The stone specimens are dried, or are soaked
with two significant differences. First, the in water, for 48 hours. The rift directions are
stone is tested at the thickness at which it will the same as described for the modulus of
be used. The test span is proportional to that rupture test. At least 5 specimens are tested for
thickness by a ratio of 10:1. Thus any reduction each condition, and the results averaged.
in the bending strength due to the stone
structure, e.g., grain size, grain cementing, 5.7.3 As in the modulus of rupture test, the
etc., will be reflected in the test results. The load is increased until the specimen breaks.
test span is 10 times the thickness, but the Then the flexural strength is calculated using a
actual length of the specimens should be about formula based on the geometry of the test
12 times the thickness to allow for some conditions.
overhang. The width is 1½ times the thickness,
but, if the thickness is less than 2.67", the 5.8 Flooring Applications. There are
width is 4". If specimens for an exterior two additional considerations for stone used
building veneer are 4" x 1¼" x 15", the test for flooring: the wear or abrasion resistance, as
span should be 12.5. For a 3/8" floor tile, the measured by ASTM C241, and slip resistance
specimens would be 4" x 3/8" x 4½" and the as measured by its coefficient of friction,
test span would be 3.75". As for modulus of formerly evaluated according to ASTM C1028.
rupture specimens, all faces, except the ends, This test method was withdrawn in 2014 and
must be flat and be parallel or perpendicular no replacement method was offered. See
with each other. The faces must be smooth section 5.11, below, for an explanation.
with no tool marks, and there should be no

 2016 Marble Institute of America Stone Testing • Page 4-7

5.9 Abrasion Resistance of Stone weighed. Knowing the dry weight of the
Subjected to Foot Traffic. Wear resistance specimens, they are soaked in water for at least
is an essential characteristic that will determine 1 hour, and a bulk density is determined in the
whether a stone is suitable for use as a floor. same way as the density procedure of ASTM
The abrasion test of ASTM C241 results in an C97. However, the abrasion specimen is
index number proportional to the volume of thinner than that required by ASTM C97 and
material abraded or worn off the stone during the specimen is not soaked for 48 hours.
the test. The abrasion index numbers are scaled Consequently, the density may not be exactly
to generally range between 0 and 100. The the same as determined by ASTM C97.
ASTM specifications for stone list a minimum
abrasion index for each type of stone. Marble 5.10 The abrasion resistance index,
and limestone, for example, should have an which is proportional to the volume abraded,
index of at least 10 (12 in heavy traffic areas); is calculated for each specimen using the
quartzitic sandstone and slate should have an average weight (before and after abrading), the
index of 8; and granite, 25. weight loss, and the apparent density. An
abrasion resistance index will usually be in a
5.9.1 During the test, the weight loss of stone numeric value less than 100, but not always.
specimens is measured before and after being
abraded, and then the density of the specimen 5.10.1 There are two concerns regarding
is determined. The abrasion index is calculated this test method. First, it is not always possible
using the average weight, the abrasion weight to obtain specimens that are 1" thick. Although
loss, and the density. the ASTM method does not indicate it,
specimens of other thicknesses can be
5.9.2 The test requires 3 specimens, 2" square determined by adjusting the 2,000-gram load
and 1" thick. One 2" square face should have on the specimen so that the load on the bottom
the finish to be evaluated, e.g., polished, of the specimen, the abrading face, is the same
honed, etc. The others may have saw marks, as it would be if the specimen were actually 1"
but should not be cut in a manner that fractures thick. For a specimen ¾" thick, the 2,000
the stone because the fractures would affect the grams would be increased by the mass of the
density determination. missing ¼" thickness of the specimen.

5.9.3 The stones are abraded using a machine 5.10.2 The second concern is the abrasive.
developed by Kessler. The machine includes a ASTM C97 specifies a particular abrasive that
horizontal, round, cast iron “lap” about 9" in is no longer being produced. The ASTM
diameter, which rotates at a speed of 45 committee is currently conducting round-
revolutions per minute (rpm). The specimens robin tests among different laboratories to
are mounted in a holder that rotates in the same determine a possible correction factor or a
direction as the lap, but at a different speed. different test method which will produce
While the lap and the specimen rotate, an abrasion index numbers that are the same as
abrasive flows onto the lap to abrade the from the methods of ASTM C241, so that new
bottom of the specimens. Each specimen test results can be compared with earlier
supports a load of 2,000 grams, which includes results. In the meantime, test laboratories have
the weight of the specimen holder, but not the had to develop a correction factor by
specimen itself. comparing the results for stones having
different abrasion resistances, e.g., soft and
5.9.4 For the test, the stones are dried for medium marble and granite, using the old and
48 hours and weighed. The specimens are then currently available abrasives.
abraded in the Kessler machine for 5 minutes
(225 revolutions at 45 rpm), dusted off, and

Page 4-8 • Stone Testing  2016 Marble Institute of America

5.11 Coefficient of Friction Testing. the overall design of the building, and
Slippery floors are a safety hazard, thus some terminologies relating to these are available
measure of slip resistance is needed to evaluate from ASTM under C717, and specific tests are
stone and its finish as a floor material. also available.
Traditionally in the stone industry, slip
resistance was evaluated by measuring the 5.12.3 Considerations for testing and
static coefficient of friction (the force required evaluating stone must include petrographic and
to initiate slipping divided by the normal force) mineralogical data. The use of stone can be a
per the ASTM C1028 method. This test factor directly related to whether it is an
method was withdrawn in 2014 and no igneous rock like granite, a sedimentary rock
replacement method was offered. like limestone, or a metamorphic rock like
marble. The petrographic information may
In the ceramic tile industry, slip resistance is indicate a stone’s elastic condition to change,
not being evaluated by measuring the dynamic or absorption degrees, or determine its
coefficient of friction (the force required to strength and durability, as does the mineral
sustain slipping divided by the normal force) content of the stone. The mineralogical
per the ANSI A137 method. information is important to see if the stone
contains any minerals that may cause rust (as
The Marble Institute of America has several with stones containing ferrous minerals),
studies using the ANSI A137 method on exfoliation like some carbon stones, or
Natural Stones. Recorded results are minerals that may decompose and change due
encouraging, indicating that this test method to weather conditions. The silicates in granite
may be equally reliable for use with natural weather better than the carbonates of marble
stone products as it is with ceramic products. or limestones. The performance of a stone is
Additional studies are yet to be completed related to its composition, and this is why some
which will provide greater statistical stones are more brittle than others, and why
confidence, after which a formal endorsement some stones, like common limestone, become
of the procedure will likely follow, however harder when exposed to air through a process
that endorsement was not yet available at the called “curing.”
time of this writing. Such endorsement will be
published as a Marble Institute of America 5.12.4 In designing stone exterior facades,
Technical Bulletin, and the reader is advised to consider the environmental conditions: rain,
check the Marble Institute of America’s snow, hail, freezing and high temperature
technical publications library to see the most variations, and others. The stone must be
recent publications on the subject. resistant to weathering and decay. Carbon
monoxide, sulfates, and other atmospheric
pollutants form an acid, and with rainwater,
5.12 Other Stone Selection can corrode certain stones over the course of
Considerations. time.

5.12.1 Other considerations for selecting

exterior stones are the freeze/thaw capabilities
of the stone in extreme climates. Also, the
effect of ultraviolet light on the fading or
changing of color of certain dimension stones.
Tests are available for these considerations.

5.12.2 Sealants, seals, and gaskets for

exterior applications are also considerations in

 2016 Marble Institute of America Stone Testing • Page 4-9

6.0 OTHER ASSOCIATIONS FOR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

American Geosciences Institute (AGI)

www.agi-usa.org
American Society of Civil Engineers
(ASCE)
www.asce.org
American Concrete Institute (ACI)
www.concrete.org
American Institute of Steel
Construction (AISC)
www.aisc.org
American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI)
www.steel.org
Construction Specifications Institute
(CSI)
www.csinet.org
International Masonry Institute (IMI)
www.imiweb.org
Masonry Institute of America (MIA)
www.masonryinstitute.org
National Tile Contractors Association
(NTCA)
www.tile-assn.com
National Association of Architectural
Metal Manufacturers (NAAMM)
www.naamm.org
Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute
(PCI)
www.pci.org
Tile Council of North America (TCNA)
www.tcnatile.com
Special Note: A worldwide directory of
ASTM-approved testing laboratories is
available from ASTM International.

MIA Bookstore Resources:

Reprints of this chapter, along with the Dimension
Stone Selection chapter, can be purchased in a
separate publication from the MIA Bookstore. The
“Stone Selection & Stone Testing” technical module
includes the contents of both chapters and
additional illustrations and pictures.

Page 4-10 • Stone Testing  2016 Marble Institute of America