Diabase

Diabase Information

Diabase, also known as dolerite, is an intrusive igneous rock that is dark in color and often has a porphyritic texture. It is composed primarily of plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene minerals, with small amounts of olivine and magnetite also present. Diabase is an extremely hard rock, making it suitable for use as a construction aggregates, as well as to produce of crushed stones, gravel, and sand.
Its durability and strength also make it ideal for use in building and infrastructure projects, such as roadways and railroads. Additionally, diabase is sometimes used as an ornamental stone, particularly when polished to a high shine, and sold as "black granite". It is often found in areas of volcanic activity, as it is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma below the Earth's surface.
Some of the key characteristics that make diabase a good material for manufacturing construction aggregates include:
  • Hardness: Diabase is a super hard rock, which makes it well-suited for use in applications where resistance to wear and tear is important.
  • Strength: It has a high compressive strength, which makes it an excellent choice for use in construction projects where resistance to crushing and deformation is important.
  • Low Absorption: Diabase has a low absorption rate, which makes it resistant to moisture damage and helps prevent cracking, crumbling, and other forms of deterioration.
  • Chemical Resistance: It is chemically resistant to weathering, which means that it can withstand exposure to a variety of environmental conditions without deteriorating over time.
A series of tests have been carried out on rock samples, aimed at their use as ornamental rocks and construction aggregates, which perfectly define the characteristics of the rock:
 
Absorption coefficient
< 0.1 %
Specific weight
01 gr/m³
Shock resistance
5 cm
Mechanical resistance to bending
6 kg/cm²
Mechanical resistance to compression
3,375 kg/cm²
Resistance to abrasion wear
67 mm
Knoop microhardness
7,627.7 Mpa
Water absorption at atmospheric pressure
1 %
Los Angeles Wear Coefficient Test
5
Coefficient of Accelerated Polishing
52