Behaviour of granites and limestones subjected to slow and homogeneous temperature changes

We have studied the evolution of the texture in two granites and two limestones subjected to slow and uniform temperature change. Each granite has a different grain size and each limestone a different texture: Carrare crystalline limestone and Crepey oolitic limestone. Temperature was varied from 200°C to 700°C. Scanning Electron Microscope observations of different rock samples show that during thermal cycling intercrystalline boundaries in granites widen out progressively and porosity increases. New microcracks appear in crystals between 500°C and 600°C. In Carrare crystalline limestone, intercrystalline cracks appear at temperatures as low as 200°C. Due to its heterogeneous cracks appear at temperatures as low as 200°C. Due to its heterogeneous increasing temperature. Longitudinal wave velocity and intrinsic permeability show good correlation with the Scanning Electron Microscope observations.