brique

A brique, commonly known as a brick in English, is a rectangular block used in masonry construction for walls, pavements, and other structures. Most bricks are manufactured from clay and fired in a kiln, though concrete and fly-ash bricks are also common. The term brique is used in French and in several other languages to denote this material.

Clay bricks are formed from a plastic clay mixture that is shaped by hand or machine and then dried and fired at high temperatures. Concrete bricks are produced from cement and aggregates and cured until strong. Bricks come in hollow, solid, and perforated variants, each with different strength, weight, and insulation properties.

Manufacturing practices vary by region, leading to different standard sizes and joint specifications. Hollow bricks reduce weight and improve insulation, while solid bricks maximize thermal mass. Many bricks are rated for compressive strength and weather resistance, and performance depends on the quality of the mortar and the masonry technique used.

Bricks have a long history dating to ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley, followed by widespread use in classical and medieval architecture. The modern mass production of bricks began in the 19th century with industrial kilns and standardized sizes, enabling rapid building and uniformity across regions.

Today, bricks remain a versatile building material valued for fire resistance, durability, and aesthetic versatility, with a broad range of textures, colors, and finishes. In addition to construction, bricks are used for paving, cladding, and decorative applications.