NATURAL STONE CHARACTERISTICS ACCORDING TO THE STANDARDS

The number of possible classifications stemming from the petrographic and the
trade name may appear somewhat overwhelming. However, just as with ceramic tiles,
some technical information is needed in order to allow the product to be directed
towards certain applications with assurance of durability, under the universal precept
that ‘there are no good or bad stones, but only stones that are well or badly used’.

On the other hand, it is impossible to link a commercial stone to certain specific

characteristics, since natural materials with heterogeneous compositions are involved,
whose characteristics also vary as a function of their place of extraction, even in the
same quarry.

In the extractive mining industry, it is the supplier that must provide updated
technical documentation on the material’s most noteworthy characteristics in order, at
least, to allow the stone to be directed towards exteriors or interiors, cladding or paving.
Continuous monitoring of those parameters constitutes a guarantee for the distributor
and the seller. A regular supply of samples may also be considered critical, even
essential, in the marketing and sales process.

The following sets outs the technical characteristics of the natural stone
according to the regulations currently in force, together with a number of tables that link
those characteristics to stone applications as modular rigid coverings.

► Visual appearance identified through a reference sample in regard to colour,

texture, and veining.

► Dimensional quality, evaluated through measurement of dimensional

deviations in the sides, diagonals, and thicknesses of natural stone slabs. Also
through control of the straightness of edges and flatness (maximum allowed
convexity and concavity)

► Bending strength, a characteristic that the manufacturer shall state in every

case through the modulus of rupture, expressed in megapascals (MPa). This
modulus is obtained by testing according to EN 12372 or EN 13161.
When the modulus of rupture or bending strength (Rf) has been determined,
and the foreseen maximum load (P), length (L), and width (W) of the slab are
known, the required minimum thickness of a slab intended for paving can be
calculated from the expression:
e = minimum thickness of the slab in mm
2400 ⋅ L ⋅ P L = nominal length of the slab in mm
e= where W = width in mm
Rf ⋅ W
P = required maximum breaking load in kN
Rf = bending strength in MPa

► Water absorption at atmospheric pressure, a characteristic associated with

stone porosity, measured according to the test in EN 13755 and expressed in
%. It is compulsory for the manufacturer to state this.

Natural stone 1
Natural stone characteristics according to the standards
 ► Bulk density and apparent porosity, as characteristics related to the volumetric
mass of the stone and to the number/size of the pores open to the outside. Both
characteristics are evaluated according to the test in EN 1936. It is compulsory
for the manufacturer to state the results.

► Water absorption by capillarity, a complementary characteristic to apparent

porosity and water absorption, which measures the quantity of water that the
surface of a stone can absorb per unit exposure time.
Stones with apparent porosity above 1% are tested according to the method in
standard EN 1925, when the slab’s intended use involves contact with water. It
is not a compulsory characteristic for the manufacturer.

► Reaction to fire, a characteristic associated with a material’s performance on

exposure to fire and the spread of fire, which is tested according to standard
methods. The results of the test shall enable the materials to be classified
according to standard EN 13501-1.
According to Commission Decision 96/603/EC, natural stone is automatically
classified as A1, Alfl without need for testing, unless:
ƒ The slab has an asphalt content above 1%
ƒ It has received protective, decorative enhancement, sealing treatments, etc.
of an organic nature, with additions that exceed 1% by weight or volume
This is the same situation as that described for ceramic tiles.

► Abrasion resistance, a characteristic associated with a stone slab’s surface

mechanical resistance to wear or impairment of appearance by abrasion and/or
scratching. This is measured by the deep abrasion method, which is identical
to that used for unglazed ceramic tiles, in this case according to standard EN
14157.
The result, expressed in mm3 of removed material, indicates the degree of
toughness of the stone. It is also expressed in mm, as the length of the groove
left by the disc on the test piece surface.
It is compulsory for the manufacturer to state this characteristic in stone slabs
intended for floors and stairs.

► Slip resistance, as a measure of the slip resistance of stone tiles and slabs
intended for pedestrian traffic. It is compulsory for the manufacturer to state
the result of the test according to ENV 12633 1 when this is required by the
regulations in force concerning the stone’s intended service application [in
Spain, according to Document SU 1, of the Technical Building Code]. This
requirement is not applied to slabs with a surface exhibiting roughness
exceeding 1 mm [roughness is measured according to the test in EN 13373].

► Permeability to water vapour, a characteristic linked to the resistance to the

passage of the water vapour through the material, for a given vapour pressure
differential between one face of the stone slab and the other.

1
For natural stone, this test is governed by standard EN 14231

Natural stone 2
Natural stone characteristics according to the standards
 The results of the test according to EN 12524 are expressed through tabulated
tables. This is an interesting piece of information in directly adhered external
claddings, in locations with a harsh climate where important vapour pressure
differentials can occur.
This characteristic is related to the hygrothermal performance of building
envelopes. It is a voluntary characteristic for the manufacturer.

► Tactility, as a description of the profile produced by mechanical treatment,

related to the non-slip capacity of stone intended for floors and stair treads. A
European document has been drawn up concerning the requirements for tactile
paving surface indicators by CEN/TC 178.

Characteristics associated with alterability

In exteriors, but also in interiors subject to the action of water, humidity, and
aggressions of a chemical nature, natural stone appearance and mechanical properties
may be impaired and disaggregation may even occur.

With a view to characterising natural stone in regard to durability or

inalterability, a series of characteristics with their corresponding test methods are
envisaged, which are applied in terms of the type of rock and intended use. The
following chart provides a guideline on the tests to be conducted according to the type
of rock.

ALTERABILITY TESTS ACCORDING TO THE TYPE OF ROCK

Type of Frost Thermal Crystallisation Granular
Absorption Efflorescences SO2
rock resistance(3) shock of salts decohesion
Sandstone    (1)
Limestone   
Granite    
Marble     (2)
Slate    
Serpentine   
(1)
Only under conditions of extreme exposure
(2)
Only in pieces with dimension larger than 1 m
(3)
Depending on the frost index and number of test cycles, N. When N<10, the test need not be performed (this refers to
geographic areas without frost risk or with a very moderate risk).
Note: The tests presented here are complementary to those that appear in the standards for different applications
Source: Manual para el Uso de la Piedra en la Arquitectura. CAT/CSAE

Natural stone 3
Natural stone characteristics according to the standards
 ► Frost resistance, a characteristic related to natural stone performance on
exposure to frost, and its destructive effect on rigid materials by causing the
water present in their pores and capillaries to freeze (increase in volume).
It should be envisaged in all types of stone materials intended for exteriors
exposed to the risk of undergoing successive frost/thaw cycles in their useful
life.
This characteristic is far better parameterised than in ceramic tiles, for which
we already noted that the requirement level was very low, with a test method
[according to standard EN ISO 10545-12] that does not assure good
performance in time of ceramic tile subject to frost/thaw cycles after its
installation. Hence the recommendation to select ceramic tiles with a water
absorption capacity of 0.5% or lower [according to the boiling method of
standard EN ISO 10545-3].
For stone materials, the frost index (Ig) is taken as the basic parameter, as the
integral of the temperature function f(t) below -5ºC with respect to time
throughout a year.
T = 1year
Ig =
o
∫ f (t ) = dT
Since the function f(t) is not known, the average temperature of the
temperatures below -5ºC in a particular geographic area is used.

∑
365 x 30
T ( − 5)
Ig = 0
30

∑
365 x 30
T (− 5)
0 is the sum of the daily minimum temperatures below -5ºC for
a period of 30 years, obtainable from the meteorological statistics provided by
the National Meteorology Institutes.

The adimensional magnitude Ig represents the ‘average damage by ice’,

corresponding to a period of 30 years, produced in a location during a year.

The following table shows the frost indices of some meteorological stations,
according to National Annex B of standard EN 12058 (Products of natural
stone. Slabs for floors and stairs. Requirements. July, 2005).

Natural stone 4
Natural stone characteristics according to the standards
 Frost index values of some meteorological stations

The magnitude Ig and the number of years considered to be the useful life of
the stone covering (the useful life of the building is usually fixed) yield the
number of cycles N to which test pieces of the rock at issue shall be subjected
in a laboratory, according to the method in standard EN 12371. This new
magnitude N is obtained from the expression:
Ig × n
N= ×K
12

where: n is the useful life of the material (maximum time that elapses without
impairment of the material’s appearance or of its most important
characteristics), and K is a so-called saturation factor (water soaking
condition of the material before it is subjected to N frost/thaw cycles),
although it is known as the coefficient of use, since it is linked to the type of
application, according to the following table:

FACTOR K VALUES ACCORDING TO STONE USES

Type of application Value of K
► Fountains, paving next to fountains, bridge pilasters 1
► External paving 0.8
► Chimneys, skirtings, mouldings, areas with splash risk on
vertical walls 0.6
► Cladding on vertical walls without relief fixed with mortar,
tracery, cornices, aprons 0.2
► Ventilated façades, vertical masonry walls, balcony pergolas 0.05
Note: Assignment of K values according to informative National Annex B of standard EN 12058 (July 2005)

The Manual para el Uso de la Piedra en la Arquitectura [Manual for the Use
of Stone in Architecture] (published in 2001) establishes other reference
values, in addition to fixing frost at -15ºC (instead of -12ºC in standard EN
12371) in the test, yielding:
Natural stone 5
Natural stone characteristics according to the standards
 Ig × n
N= ×K
15

VALUES OF THE COEFFICIENT OF USE K

Uses K
► External paving, fountains, pilasters, setts, kerbs 1
► Chimneys, skirtings, balustrades, borders, dripstones, railings 0.8
► Splash areas on vertical facings. Corners, tracery, cornices, aprons 0.4
► Vertical facings, corbels 0.2
SOURCE: Manual para el Uso de la Piedra en la Arquitectura. CAT/CSAE. Published by IT & B, S.L. Vizcaya, 2001

In both cases, when the useful life n (in years), the coefficient of use K, and the
frost index Ig are known, the number of frost/thaw cycles to which the stone
material shall be subjected can be calculated. After these cycles, new values of
bending strength or other key characteristics are determined (compressive
strength, breaking load at a dowel hole, etc.), and possible ruptures, cracks, or
spalling can be visualised. Mass loss is also measured.

It is considered unnecessary to test frost resistance if N<10. Nor is there

considered to be frost damage, if the values obtained in the evaluated physical
characteristics (bending strength, compression, fastening, etc.) are less than
20% lower than the initial values.

► Resistance to salt crystallisation, as a characteristic also related to stone

durability, in terms of the rupture produced by the crystallisation of soluble
salts in saturation (increase in volume), in the same way as freezing water.

Based on the mass loss of a stone, a certain level of resistance is recommended

for each part of a building, while the frost index Ig and environmental
pollution are to be concurrently taken into account.

This characteristic is evaluated according to the test in standard EN 12370. It

has already been noted above that it is recommendable to ascertain the
resistance to salt crystallisation of all types of limestone rocks, including those
that display a certain degree of metamorphism (marbled limestone). In
sandstone intended for coastal areas with heavy pollution, it is also highly
recommendable to establish the resistance to salt crystallisation.

Natural stone 6
Natural stone characteristics according to the standards
 ALLOWABLE MAXIMUM WEIGHT LOSS IN THE TEST FOR
RESISTANCE TO SALT CRYSTALLISATION (EN 12370)
Areas without frost or Areas with intermediate Areas with heavy frost
with gentle frost frost [Ig > 75]
EXPOSED BUILDING [Ig ≤ 5] [5 < Ig ≤ 75]
AREAS Areas Areas Areas Areas Areas Areas
without with without with without with
pollution pollution pollution pollution pollution pollution
External paving, pilasters,
fountains, balcony slabs, <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1
stairs, chimney trims
Skirtings, chimneys,
balustrades, dripstones, <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5
railings, cornices, borders
Corners, aprons, tracery,
< 30 <5 < 20 <5 < 15 <5
facings with splash risk
Vertical facings, corbels (*) No limit < 15 < 35 < 10 < 30 <5
Ig: Frost index
(*) The maximum mass losses shown in the table may be exceeded when slabs are thicker than 10 cm
Source: Manual para el Uso de la Piedra en la Arquitectura. CAT/CSAE Published by IT&B, S.L. Vizcaya, 2001

► Resistance in SO2 atmosphere: characteristic applicable to igneous rocks

intended for exteriors exposed to heavy pollution (fuel combustion), which
may be damaged by sulphuric acid (acid rain) attack. The impaired appearance
is evaluated after the test in draft standard prEN WI 00246-33.

Sandstone is tested by immersion in sulphuric acid for 10 days, according to a

non-standardised method described in the report Durability tests for building
stone, by K.D. Ross & R.N. Butlin (1989), in which it is evaluated if the test
pieces display any signs of surface softening or exfoliation

► Grain cohesion, a characteristic related to the dimensional stability of marbles

as a function of temperature, because of the anisotropy of calcite crystals that
can cause strains in large cladding slabs. The test should be applied in cladding
slabs longer than 1 m.

Just as in ceramic tiles, there are special characteristics associated with particular
uses which the specifications writer needs to take into account, but which lie beyond the
scope of these informative contents.

The following table summarises the characteristics described, and relates these
to the requirements in the standards.

Natural stone 7
Natural stone characteristics according to the standards
 REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED IN THE STANDARDS, BY APPLICATIONS[*]
Slabs for floors and Slabs for wall
Characteristics Test method stairs cladding
EN 12058 EN 1469
► APPEARANCE Visual examination D D
► DIMENSIONAL QUALITY EN 13373 D D
•
Thickness
•
Flatness
•
Length and width
•
Angles and special shapes
► SURFACE FINISH State treatment D D
► BENDING STRENGTH EN 12372 D D
► WATER ABSORPTION EN 13755 D O
► BULK DENSITY AND APPARENT EN 1936 D D
POROSITY
► WATER ABSORPTION BY EN 1925 O(1) O(1)
CAPILLARITY
► REACTION TO FIRE EN 13501-1(2) Alfl(3) Al(3)
► ABRASION RESISTANCE EN 14157 D -
► SLIP RESISTANCE EN 14231 D(4) -
► PERMEABILITY TO VAPOUR EN ISO 12572 O(5) O(5)
► TACTILITY (6) O -
► COEFFICIENT OF LINEAR THERMAL - -
EXPANSION Not specified
► COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH EN 1342 - -
► BREAKING LOAD AT A DOWEL HOLE EN 13364 - O(9)

CHARACTERISTICS RELATED TO
ALTERABILITY

► FROST RESISTANCE EN 12371 O(7) O(7)

► RESISTANCE TO SALT EN 12370 - -
CRYSTALLISATION
► RESISTANCE IN SO2 ATMOSPHERE PrEN WI 00246-33 - -
► GRAIN COHESION Not specified - -
► THERMAL SHOCK RESISTANCE EN 14066 O(8) O(8)
[*]: Only two applications are provided in this table, since the group of available standards on natural stone establishes specific
requirements according to the type of product [slabs, slabs for cladding, modular tile, setts, kerbs, slate] and the intended
location [paving/cladding, external/internal, and other uses (ceiling finishes, roofs)]

D: Shall be stated
O: Statement is optional
(1)
In locations where the stone is expected to be in contact with water
(2)
If the stone contains more than 1% asphalt, its fire resistance shall be tested and the stone shall be classified according to EN
13501-1
(3)
With an asphalt content below 1%, all natural stone is automatically classified as A1fl, unless the stone has been subjected to
surface treatment with organic materials
(4)
When this is regulated in the country of destination
(5)
The results of the test are stated in reference to the values tabulated in standard EN 12524
(6)
According to the tactile paving surface indicators [Document CEN/TC 178/WG5 N 29, of 30/11/2003]
(7)
When this is required by national regulations or when risk of exposure to frost/thaw processes is expected
(8)
By regulatory requirements or when risk of abrupt changes in temperature is foreseen
(9)
When cladding slabs are installed using mechanical fasteners

Natural stone 8
Natural stone characteristics according to the standards