A characterisation study of ignimbrites of Tenerife Island employed as building stone

Abstract The objective of this study is to evaluate the petrophysical properties four ignimbrites employed as dimension stones. natural stone under produced in Tenerife Island (Spain) commercial brand name Piedra Chasnera and are differentiated according their chromatic variety into: brown, violet, grey green. To assess suitability for feasible applications, it essential have a comprehensive knowledge its properties. In respect, mineralogical, petrographic chemical were obtained by X-ray diffraction (XRD), polarisation microscopy (POM) fluorescence (XRF). According procedure described standardised methods, apparent density, open porosity, water absorption at atmospheric pressure, coefficient capillary ultrasound propagation velocity measured. variants analysed classified results obtained. It was found that vary depending on depth stratigraphic volcanic level from which extracted. From review published data, can be seen test within expected values lithotype. A comparison also made with other types dimensional correlation analysis shows there high degree between physical studied.