Great Wall of China
What it was made from?
The Great Wall of China was built with a mix of materials, including rammed earth, wood, quarried granite, brick, and even marble blocks. The building materials varied in different sections of the wall, with some parts made of brick and others using quarried granite or marble blocks. Granite, marble, limestone, and shale were crushed to make the bricks.
The Great Wall of China is made of three different types of stone:
Granite (igneous rock)
White marble (metamorphic rock)
Green and white stones (sedimentary rock, like sandstone and limestone)
The wall was built using stones sourced from the mountains surrounding it. The outer layer of the wall was constructed using stone blocks and bricks, while the inner layer was filled with uncut stones, earth, and some even believe the remains of deceased workers. The rectangularly shaped stones cut to precision were mainly used in building the foundation and the wall's inner and outer brims and gateways. These stones were carefully selected and placed to ensure the stability and durability of the wall. The use of a combination of different materials in the construction of the wall speaks to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the builders, who made use of anything available to them to construct the wall.
The properties of those rocks
Granite is exceptionally durable and resistant to weathering, erosion, and physical damage, making it ideal for walls.
It is a robust, hard natural stone that can bear considerable weight without cracking or breaking easily.
The density of granite contributes to its strength and durability, making it resistant to water absorption and damage from freezing and thawing cycles.
Granite is resistant to abrasion, ensuring it can maintain its appearance and structural integrity even with prolonged use and exposure to harsh conditions.
Granite walls require minimal maintenance and are easy to clean, making them unlikely to require frequent repairs or treatments.
Granite walls have a long lifespan and can endure centuries if properly cared for, making them an economical and dependable choice for building projects.
Granite can be cut and shaped into various sizes, allowing for wall design customisation.
It can also be polished or finished in different ways to achieve specific visual effects.