Stone Testing

Prime Testing Group Limited offers the following testing services:

ASTM C615

Standard Specification for Granite Dimension Stone

ASTM C241

Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Stone Subjected to Foot Traffic

ASTM C97

Standard Test Methods for Absorption and Bulk Specific Gravity of Dimension Stone

ASTM C99

Standard Test Method for Modulus of Rupture of Dimension Stone

ASTM C170 / C170M

Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Dimension Stone

ASTM C880 / C880M

Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Dimension Stone

ASTM C1353 / C1353M

Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Dimension Stone Subjected to Foot Traffic Using a Rotary Platform Abraser

Linear Thermal Expansion Coefficient: JC/T 908

Composition Test

JC/T 1021.2 Methods for chemical analysis of non-metal mineral and rock.

JY/T 009 General rules for X-ray polycrystalline diffractometry

ASTM C1354 / C1354M

Standard Test Method for Strength of Individual Stone Anchorages in Dimension Stone

ASTM C503 / C503M

Standard Specification for Marble Dimension Stone

Additional Information

Testing for Stones, Marbles, Minerals, and Rocks

The use of natural stones, marbles, minerals, and rocks in construction, architecture, and art is as old as civilization itself. These materials are prized for their aesthetic qualities, durability, and unique properties. To ensure their suitability for various applications, rigorous testing and standardization are essential. The followings explore the testing requirements, standards, analysis methods applicable to stones, marbles, minerals, and rocks.

1. Physical and Mechanical Properties Testing

1.1 Density and Specific Gravity

• ASTM C97/C97M: Standard Test Methods for Absorption and Bulk Specific Gravity of Dimension Stone.

• ISO 6783: Determination of the apparent density and open porosity.

1.2 Water Absorption

• ASTM C97/C97M: Measures water absorption under defined conditions.

• ISO 10545-3: Determines water absorption of ceramic tiles, also applicable to stone.

1.3 Compressive Strength

• ASTM C170/C170M: Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Dimension Stone.

• ISO 10545-4: Determines the bending strength of ceramic tiles, applicable to stone.

• EN 1926: Natural stone test methods - Determination of uniaxial compressive strength

1.4 Flexural Strength

• ASTM C880/C880M: Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Dimension Stone.

• ISO 10545-4: Flexural strength testing is also applicable to stone materials.

• EN 12372: Natural stone test methods - Determination of flexural strength under concentrated load

1.5 Modulus of Rupture

• ASTM C99/C99M: Standard Test Method for Modulus of Rupture of Dimension Stone

1.6 Abrasion Resistance

• ASTM C241/C241M: Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Stone Subjected to Foot Traffic

• EN 14157: Natural stone test methods - Determination of the abrasion resistance

1.7 Scratch Hardness

• ASTM C1353/C1353M: Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Dimension Stone Subjected to Foot Traffic Using a Rotary Platform Abraser

2. Durability Testing

2.1 Freeze-Thaw Resistance

• ASTM C666/C666M: Standard Test Method for Resistance of Concrete to Rapid Freezing and Thawing, adapted for stone.

• EN 12371: Natural stones - Determination of resistance to freezing and thawing.

2.2 Weathering Resistance

• ASTM G155: Standard Practice for Operating Light and Water Exposure Apparatus (Xenon-Arc).

• ISO 105-A02: Tests for color fastness to light.

3. Chemical Properties Testing

3.1 Acid Resistance

• ASTM C267: Standard Test Methods for Chemical Resistance of Mortars, Grouts, and Monolithic Surfacings.

• EN 14617-3: Tests for the physical and chemical properties of stone products.

4. Aesthetic and Surface Quality Testing

4.1 Surface Finish

• ASTM C503: Standard Specification for Marble Dimension Stone.

• EN 14617-1: Tests for surface quality.

4.2 Color Stability

• ISO 105-A02: Tests for color fastness to light.

• ASTM D2244: Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumental Data.

5. Thermal Expansion

• ASTM E831: Standard Test Method for Linear Thermal Expansion of Solid Materials by Thermomechanical Analysis

• ASTM D696: Standard Test Method for Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion of Plastics Between −30°C and 30°C with a Vitreous Silica Dilatometer

• ISO 11359-2: Plastics - Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) Part 2: Determination of coefficient of linear thermal expansion and glass transition temperature

6. Miscellaneous

• ASTM C615: Standard Specification for Granite Dimension Stone

• ISO 14689: Geotechnical investigation and testing - Identification, description and classification of rock

• ISO 15148: Hygrothermal performance of building materials and products - Determination of water absorption coefficient by partial immersion

• EN 1341: Slabs of natural stone for external paving - Requirements and test methods

• EN 14617-1: Agglomerated stone - Test methods - Part 1: Determination of apparent density and water absorption