Dimension stone is natural rock prepared for building use. It is rapidly colonised by microorganisms that cause discoloration (mainly cyanobacteria, algae and fungi) and structural damage. Microbial mobilisation of ions leads to new superficial or internal deposits, weakening the structure. Cyanobacteria and fungi may penetrate, filling pores or creating new spaces. Lichens, fungus/phototroph associations, colonise surfaces and damage stone through ingrowing rhizines and acid production. Initial degradation produces conditions suitable for germination of seeds of higher plants and further destruction. Emerging techniques to elucidate stone-cell interactions and control of initial biofilm formation that eventuates in stone disintegration are discussed.

尺寸石是为建筑使用而准备的天然岩石。它被微生物迅速定殖，导致变色（主要是蓝藻、藻类和真菌）和结构损坏。离子的微生物动员导致新的表面或内部沉积物，削弱结构。蓝藻和真菌可能会渗透、填充毛孔或创造新的空间。地衣、真菌/光养生物群落通过向内生长的根茎和产酸来定植表面并破坏石头。初始降解产生适合高等植物种子萌发和进一步破坏的条件。讨论了阐明石细胞相互作用和控制最终导致结石崩解的初始生物膜形成的新兴技术。