The study focuses on a percussive machine for directional fracturing of natural stone. The impact machine forces a rock-breaking tool to make a hole and penetrate it. Stone is propped as a result, and a main crack is formed finally along the row of holes. For the gravity-type pneumatic percussion machines, the circuit design is justified, and the numerical analysis of structural constants and performance of the machines is carried out based on the modeled dynamics of basic units. The operating cycle of the machine was evaluated by blow energy, blow frequency and compressed air flow rate. It is found that the operating cycle of the gravity-type pneumatic percussion machine with elastic valve ensures effective consumption of compressed air and high energy of impact. The numerical modeling data are proved by experimental results at the Institute of Mining, SB RAS.