Keystone (architecture)

Wedge-shaped stone at the apex of a masonry arch / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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A keystone (or capstone) is the wedge-shaped stone at the apex of a masonry arch or typically round-shaped one at the apex of a vault. In both cases it is the final piece placed during construction and locks all the stones into position, allowing the arch or vault to bear weight.[1][2][3] In arches and vaults (such as quasi-domes) keystones are often enlarged beyond the structural requirements and decorated. A variant in domes and crowning vaults is a lantern.

L-Karniesbogen_%28keystone%29.png
The keystone (shown in red) of an arch
Entrance_of_Colditz_Castle_chapel.jpg
Dropped keystone at Colditz Castle

Keystones, as a hallmark of strength or good architecture, or their suggested form are sometimes placed in the centre of the flat top of doors, recesses and windows for decorative effect, so as to form an upward projection of a lintel.

Although a masonry arch or vault cannot be self-supporting until the keystone is placed, the keystone experiences the least stress of any of the voussoirs, due to its position at the apex.[citation needed] Old keystones can decay due to vibration, a condition known as bald arch.