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Stonemasons

Credit: Jimmie Quick, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 on Flickr

Stonemasons are artisans who specialize in working with stone on a variety of projects ranging from small-scale sculptures to large-scale building projects, and their work can have a significant impact on the built environment. Stonemasons require some background in the geosciences and are involved in a variety of tasks related to the study and use of stone, such as:

  • Quarrying stone from the ground using specialized tools and equipment to cut and remove stone blocks. This process often requires a detailed understanding of the properties of different types of stone and how they will behave when cut or shaped.

  • Cutting and shaping stone using hand tools and power tools to shape it for their project. This requires knowledge of specific stones and the best techniques for cutting each type by sawing, chiseling, or drilling.

  • Assembling and installing stonework, which may include building walls, arches, columns, and other structures. This can require a high level of precision and attention to detail, as well as an understanding of the structural properties of the stone being used.

  • Restoring and conservating historic buildings or monuments made from stone. This can involve repairing damaged stonework, cleaning and stabilizing the stone, and replacing missing pieces.

Read more about this occupation on O*NET OnLine at www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2022.00

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