In order to undertake preservation of historic stones, the cause of their deterioration and its development pattern in a changing climate must be known. It is the scientific basis of deciding conservation measures. The study of the engineering capability of stone material is thus necessary to provide the scientific foundation for establishing a research system. This system is made up of three parts; the analysis of the deterioration mechanism, the assessment of the preservation actuality and the forecast of the deterioration limit. This paper consolidates research findings from related fields such as rock mechanics, geochemistry, geophysics, environmental geology and mineralogy. It also points out three existing fundamental questions. It is on the foundation that the paper lists its question, the basic structure of the research and a detailed discussion. The analysis of the deterioration mechanism is different from the analysis of weathering. The weathering of the material does not mean that the material is not suitable for use, but rather, it means that the material has been decaying for a long time. Upon reaching the limit of its decay, the material enters the deterioration state. This paper states, that the description of the deterioration and the analysis of the causes of deterioration, form the emphasis of the research on the engineering capability of stone materials. The preseration actuality assessment is a quantitative partition of the extent and the grade of danger. The goal of the assessment is to provide a scientific basis for a conservation plan. In this system, the deterioration type and grade should be confirmed. Depending on the stone material, the damage index (DI), the preservation actuality and the extent of the stone block is quantitatively evaluated. Meanwhile, through simulation and examination, the potential extent of damage of stone building and monument is confirmed. In comparison with the two earlier researches, the forecast of deterioration limit for long-term preservation is more strategic. Through this research, it is possible to predict the stone's decay development, propose a forecast plan, and provide a scientific basis for its preventive protection plan. In consideration of petrographical property, position, environment and human activities, this paper proposes that a forecast should be constituted of two parts; space, and time.