Bluestone can be found everywhere in modern cities, as well as in country gardens and estates, and even in ancient locations – such as Stonehenge – but it is considerably difficult to define. That’s because bluestone is a generic term that is commonly applied to a fairly broad range of minerals including hydrated copper sulphate, dolerite and even lazurite which is the base mineral of lapis lazuli. However, when we talk about the bluestone most often used in contemporary commercial applications, we are mainly referring to basalt which is the blue-grey stone often used in building and paving throughout Australia. While building and paving are the key uses for sandstone in contemporary times, it also enjoys some other uses in commercial and domestic locations. Here are the top four uses for bluestone:
1. Building:
Basalt is used extensively as a building material in Australia, with some buildings such as Victoria’s Pentridge Prison being constructed entirely from bluestone blocks. It is an ideal material for building because it offers a high level of slip and scratch resistance both in its indoor and outdoor use. Since it is hard wearing and attractive, as well as being readily available and affordable, it has enjoyed a long-standing popularity in commercial, civil and residential projects.
2. Paving:
Due to its slip resistance, bluestone is also a top choice for paving stones for gardens, courtyards, steps, driveways and pool surrounds. It has been a popular paving material since the late 1800s so, when used today in pavers, it is guaranteed to evoke a classic vintage mood in gardens and outdoor entertaining areas. Pavers are cut from dense, strong slabs of the stone, which means that they are not only stylish but durable and low-maintenance.
3. Monuments:
Bluestone is commonly used to form large scale monuments and memorial masonry due to its availability, durability and low maintenance requirements. Stonehenge is probably the ultimate monument example, but a quick walk through any town centre or graveyard is guaranteed to reveal many more common instances of the stone’s use in the construction of tombstones, headstones, crypts and grottos.
4. Water features:
As well as being a top choice for paving in gardens, raw bluestone rocks or refined bricks are also used to create tiered fountains and water features in domestic and commercial properties. Due to the stone’s rich colour, unique texture and timeless appeal, it is the obvious choice for water feature walls and stepping stones, as well as pond islands and surrounds.