In almost every city in the world, you can find some level of stonemasonry. From the very foundation upon which cities are built to some of the most magnificent architectural wonders of the world- stonemasonry is everywhere. Often fading into the background of our busy lives, stonemasonry tells a story of resilience, beauty, and history. While easily forgotten or taken for granted, there are three things you need to know about stonemasonry that will make you see the world around you with new, quizzical eyes.

It’s From the Ancient World

It did not take long for humankind to learn that stone structures were more robust and more resilient than structures built of wood or other materials. As a result, humans as far back as 6,000 years ago utilized sun-baked clay bricks to construct many of their homes and buildings. As workers became more and more skilled, a new industry was formed, making bricks the oldest manufactured product in history.

As far back as 8,000 years ago, Native Americans were utilizing stonework to craft pipes, ornaments, pottery, cooking slabs, and weaponry.

What’s older still are the quarries from which some stones are taken. For example, the ancient city of Aswan, Egypt, is estimated to be about 50,000 years old and is the location of the same quarry from which over 2 million blocks of stone were pulled to craft the Pyramids of Giza.

It’s Resilient to Time and Nature

As archeologists begin uncovering the old world, one thing stands out: stone buildings are strong. Not only does stonework stand the test of time, but it is also resilient to some of the harshest forces of mother nature, including fire. When exposed to high heat, the stone becomes tougher. It does not melt, twist, or warp. As a result, scientists have uncovered massive monuments, churches, houses, and buildings that extremely skilled stonemasons constructed. Some of the most wonderous have been found in places like Jerusalem, Egypt, and Pompeii. Even covered in the desert sand and volcanic dust, the beauty remains.

It’s a Symbol of Prosperity

Probably for the reasons listed above, stonemasonry is very popular. More than 70% of the world’s structures are built upon stone foundations and engineered with stonework in some form. While most people in the ancient world utilized stone due to its solid and resilient properties, as history progressed, stonemasonry became a symbol of beauty and prosperity. Furthermore, with its use in cathedrals and universities, stonemasonry is also a sign of an educated and thriving society.

As we continue to lean into history, our team at Petrillo Stone loves to channel this knowledge into every job we perform. Not only do we firmly believe that stonemasonry will continue to stand the test of time, but we have seen firsthand the beauty created when incorporating stonemasonry into any structure. We would be honored if you took a look at our latest stonework projects. Also, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like to add stonework to your business or home.