Final answer:
Granite is the best choice for facing stone with the desired characteristics of weather resistance and a mix of large light and dark crystals, making it durable and attractive.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you are selecting the best facing stone that is resistant to weathering and has an attractive mixture of large crystals of light and dark minerals, your best choice would be granite. Granite is a coarse-grained igneous rock composed of large mineral crystals, typically quartz, feldspar, and mica, and is known for its durability and beauty. It fits the description perfectly as it often contains an interlocking crystal structure that is resistant to weathering and comes in a variety of colors due to the light and dark minerals present.
The crystals in granite are usually larger than 1 millimeter, and their edges interlock in a jigsaw puzzle pattern. This rock's high hardness allows it to scratch glass and adds to its weather resistance. Rocks like basalt are more mafic and generally do not have the large visible crystals that granite has, while sedimentary rocks such as shale and limestone may weather more easily and do not have the large crystals you're seeking.