This document discusses the properties and types of rocks used for construction purposes as building stones in India. It outlines key properties such as mineral composition, texture, structure, porosity, permeability, durability, and strength that determine whether a rock makes a good building stone. Some of the main building stones used in India are described as granites, basalts, sandstones, limestones, marbles, and slates. Granites are commonly used due to their high strength, low porosity and pleasing colors, while basalts serve as excellent road material for their crushing strength.