This document discusses building stones used in civil engineering. It defines building stone as a construction material derived from rocks in the earth's crust. Some key historical structures that used building stones are mentioned, such as the pyramids of Egypt and the Taj Mahal. The document also discusses the classification, characteristics, quarrying and uses of different types of building stones including igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Good building stones are described as having properties like uniform appearance, strength, hardness, low porosity and weathering resistance.