TS 5695

TS 5695 is a standard dealing with how natural stones used for building and facing applications are classified according to their geological origin and mineral composition. The technical idea behind this is straightforward but important: a stone’s practical behaviour is closely linked to how it formed and which minerals it contains, so classification is based on intrinsic material characteristics rather than appearance alone.

How the classification basis is organised

In general technical terms, natural building and facing stones are rocks selected for structural use or for decorative and protective cladding surfaces. This standard covers their classification according to formation conditions and mineral content. In petrology and engineering stone practice, that means distinguishing stones by origin and composition, which helps separate materials with different internal structures, textures and typical working characteristics. Such a framework supports consistent naming and grouping across the stone sector.

Scope boundaries and practical relevance

The scope is limited to stones actually used in the building and facing industry. Stones mentioned in the literature but not used for these purposes are excluded. That distinction matters because a classification standard for natural stone is meant to reflect real industry use as well as geological identity. TS 5695 therefore functions as a classification basis rather than a performance test method; it organises the material family, but does not by itself define product testing requirements.

For architecture, construction and stone trading, such classification helps create a common technical language. Mineral composition and origin often correlate with density, fabric, pore structure, colour consistency and overall suitability for different applications. A classification standard of this kind supports clearer identification of stone groups and more reliable comparison of materials within the same broad product category.

• Classification criteria: origin conditions and mineral composition
• Application area: natural stones used in building and facing work
• Excluded material: stones appearing in literature but not used in these sectors
• Document role: a classification framework for natural stone terminology and grouping