Ornamental Stones

Ornamental stone is generally defined as any suitable rock type that can be cut into appropriate sizes and polished for use in the building industry as well as for decoration and ornamental purposes.

The normal criteria used in determining the suitability of a rock for ornamental stones are as follows:

a. Adequate exposure of the rock to facilitate quarrying

b. Lithological homogeneity or uniformity

c. Near absence of joints and fractures

d. Freshness and durability

e. Absence of deleterious or harmful minerals (such as radioactive ores)

f. Attractiveness in terms of colour intensity (tonality), texture, and structure

g. Compressive strength and moisture absorption capacity

In Ghana, there is potential for ornamental stones considering the favourable geological environment that exists in the country. Currently, there are signs of growth of the industry as many newly constructed state buildings, banks, insurance companies, hotels and private houses now incorporate ornamental stones in their architecture.