How to Select Stone for Sculpting

Sculpting stone is an extremely old art form, dating back to prehistoric times. One of the world's most famous sculptures, Michelangelo's "David," was completed in 1504 and was made from marble. In addition to marble, the most common stone types to use for sculpting are alabaster, granite, limestone, sandstone and soapstone. Some of the factors that will determine what stone you select will depend on your level of sculpting experience and the size of your project.

Step 1Learn about the different rock types, including sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous. All stones used for carving belong to one of these categories. Knowing each stone's characteristics regarding hardness, shine and durability will help you select the right stone for your project.

Step 2Take your level of expertise into account when it comes to sculpting using stone as a medium. Softer rocks are easier to work with than hard stone, and are more appropriate for beginners. Soft varieties include soapstone and alabaster.

Step 3Check your local college or university to see whether they offer sculpting classes. The professor may be able to recommend materials that will suit your project and where you can purchase them locally. Having stone shipped to you can become expensive.

Step 4Be aware of your budget for stone. Some stone is more plentiful than others and therefore, costs less. Very high quality rock, such as Carrara marble, can be very expensive.

Step 5Determine what color and how high a finish--how much gloss--you want for your end product. Texture and color varies in each variety of stone.

Step 6Decide whether you will display your sculpture inside or outdoors. Certain kinds of stone can withstand the damaging effects of the weather more than others. Granite is able to remain outside due to the hardness of its composition. Alabaster, sandstone and soapstone cannot stay outdoors.

Step 7Have an idea about the level of detail you plan to use in your sculpture. Limestone, one of the softer sedimentary rocks, is a good choice for very detailed carvings. Granite, which is much harder to work with, is not.

Tips & Warnings

The more porous the stone, the less able it is to handle wet weather. When water coats a porous sculpture, it will gradually seep into the stone. This can cause it to break, especially if the water freezes.

Create a maquette, a small preliminary model in plaster, wax or clay before you begin work on a major project in stone.

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