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Types of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks

Examples of How Rocks are Used

Rocks can be used in different ways because they have varied properties. For example, some are very hard and take a long time to wear away, while others are softer but easier to carve and shape.

 

Dragon Egg (Septarian Nodule) by Leeds Museums And Galleries on Sketchfab

 
The photographs on this page show examples of rocks used as building materials at the National Coal Mining Museum:
  • Roof tiles: Slate makes an ideal material for tiles, as it is resistant to weathering. It also acts as an insulator, helping to keep heat inside the building below.

Roof of a building with slate tiles.
Slate Roof Tiles on the Control Room at the National Coal Mining Museum

  • Building materials: Sandstone is found locally to the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield, so it has been used to construct many of the older buildings on the museum site. The sandstone steps and sandstone walls on the Winding Engine House are pictured below
    - Why do you think the sandstone steps are uneven?
    - What does this tell you about sandstone?

Steps have been worn away in the middle, where people have stepped over the years.
Weathered Sandstone Steps at the National Coal Mining Museum

Wall made from sandstone bricks in varying shades of cream, yellow, beige and light orange.
Sandstone Walls on the Winding Engine House at the National Coal Mining Museum

  • Cobbles: This cobbled path is made of a stone called granite, because it is takes a long time to wear away.

Path made from square pieces of granite stone set in a grid fashion.
Path made from Granite Cobbles