Immense  resources of high quality dimensional stones such as granite, marble, limestone, sandstone and slates are available in abundance across in India.   These stones are used mainly in residential buildings, besides large scale uses in the construction and realty sector, infrastructure development sector etc.   In recent times, with the increase in exports demand for testing of stones has increased manifold. Further, the application of stones has penetrated so many sectors, that it calls for a scientific outlook in selection of stones.

Right stone for the right application is the new mantra for usage of stones and stone products across the world, thereby highlighting the fact that before selection of the stones, it is important that the architect or the builder is well aware of scientifically collated information on the physical properties of stones. This is possible only when the stones are tested scientifically according to well established test methods.

And as in so many earlier instance, CDOS has the answers. CDOS has always pioneered in providing services to the stone industry and accordingly it has established a state-of-the-art testing centre cum R & D centre for dimensional stones at CDOS complex, Sitapura Industrial Area, Jaipur with the assistance of Ministry of Mines (MOM), Government of India, Government of Rajasthan, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and Rajasthan State Industrial Development & Investment Corporation Ltd. (RIICO), to cater to the testing of stones for exports as well as domestic usage.

At present almost all essential tests on stones are being conducted as per American (ASTM), European (EN) and Indian (BIS) Standards. Important physical tests being conducted at the CDOS testing centre are –

 ·        Bulk Density

·         Bulk Specific Gravity

·         Water absorption

·         Compressive Strength

·         Abrasion Resistance

·         Flexural Strength

·         Rupture Energy or Impact Resistance

·         Resistance to Salt Crystallization

·         Petrographic Examination

·         Resistance to ageing by SO2 action in presence of humidity

·         Slip Resistance Value with the British Pendulum Tester

·         Specular Gloss

·         Hardness of stones by Moh’s Scale

·         Slake Durability of Slate & Similar Rocks

·         Rebound hardness

·         Frost Resistance

Now, the testing laboratory of CDOS has initiated chemical tests. It is hoped that stone producers and users including architects, builders, designers shall avail máximum benefits of these facilities.