Building Stones – Which stone has the highest crushing strength? Among the following commonly used stones, which one typically exhibits the maximum compressive (crushing) strength?

Introduction / Context:
Selection of building stone depends on strength, durability, and appearance. Compressive strength is a primary criterion for load-bearing applications such as columns, steps, and heavily loaded masonry.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Comparison among common stones used in construction.
• Interest in typical compressive strength ranges.
• No special treatments or reinforcement assumed.

Concept / Approach:
Igneous rocks like granite are crystalline and dense, generally providing higher compressive strength than sedimentary stones such as sandstone or chalk, and metamorphic stones such as marble and slate (which, while strong, typically do not surpass high-grade granites).

Step-by-Step Solution:
Rank stones by typical compressive strength.Granite commonly attains 100–250 MPa or more, depending on mineralogy and fabric.Sandstone usually ranges lower (often 20–100 MPa), chalk is very weak, marble varies widely but often below strong granites, slate is strong in certain directions but not generally higher than granite in average crushing strength.Select granite as having the maximum crushing strength among the listed stones.

Verification / Alternative check:
Material property tables in building technology references consistently place quality granite at the top of the compressive strength range for common building stones.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Chalk: a soft, porous limestone; very low strength.
• Sandstone: variable cementation; generally lower than granite.
• Marble: metamorphosed limestone; strong but typically below high-grade granite.
• Slate: anisotropic; may have good strength but not typically exceeding granite's average peak values.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing point-load or flexural strength with compressive strength, and ignoring anisotropy (e.g., splitting along slate's cleavage). For design, always use tested values for the specific quarry source.

Final Answer:
Granite