Andesite - properties of the stone, where it is applied

Organic

Andesite is a unique igneous rock. This is a creation of nature, obtained as a result of volcanic eruptions. Eco-friendly, natural and durable material, which is widely used in various industries and fields of activity.

History of origin

The study of this rock began long before our days. The first person to become deeply interested in such natural resources was the German geologist Christian Leopold von Buch, who lived in the XNUMXth century. Buch collected stones from all over the world and studied them.

Andesite he found in the South American mountains, which are called the Andes. That's where the name came from.

The formation of a stone occurs during the action of a volcano. Magma rising to the surface of the earth loses gases and temperature, as a result it cools down and turns into lava. Solidified lava is volcanic rock.

The geography of andesitic rock is widespread both in Russia and abroad. Large-scale development is being carried out in Kamchatka, the Caucasus, the Far East, Primorye and other regions subject to volcanic impact.

The form of occurrence of natural material is domes or streams. An interesting feature is the cases of lava cooling in the form of vertical columns (columnar). Their thickness sometimes reaches one meter.

Columnarity has a valuable property, it allows you to split the stone into regular cubes.

During the extraction of volcanic rock in quarries, plating is observed. The plates are located parallel to the planes of magma flow.

stones

A significant part of the rock deposits is located in the areas of island arcs.

Basic properties

Depending on the amount of impurities, the color of the rock is formed. The color scheme is expressed mainly in shades of gray, sometimes turning into black. There is a rock with a greenish tint, sometimes even pink or reddish, due to the presence of iron oxide.

Property Description
Hardness 5
Specific weight 2,5
Melting temperature 1200 ° C
Compressive strength up to 240 MPa
Texture Porous and dense
separateness columnar
Mineralogical composition of andesite Plagioclase, hornblende, biotite, feldspar
  Structure Not full crystalline
Color Dark gray to black
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The color of andesite is heterogeneous:

  • blotches,
  • divorces,
  • waves.

Depending on the presence of inclusions, the name occurs:

  • hornblende,
  • biotite,
  • plagioclase.

In appearance, it is difficult to determine which category the rock belongs to.

andesiteTitanium can be included as an impurity in andesite. Of the inclusions visible to the eye - hornblende. It gives a characteristic luster, otherwise called - volcanic glass. The inclusion of biotite (mica) is noticeable. In this case, the luster is not glassy, ​​but mother-of-pearl.

Chemical composition:

  • SiO2 56-64%,
  • TiO2 0.5-0.7%,
  • Al2O3 16-21%,
  • Fe2O3 3-4%,
  • FeO 3-5%,
  • MgO 3-4%,
  • CaO 6-7%,
  • Na2O 2-4%,
  • K2About 1-2%.

Sometimes in the places of occurrence of andesite there are hot springs of mineral waters, which by their action form propyl. Andesite, mined in these places, contains impurities of iron ore, rarely found with an admixture of gold. The rock in this case is considered a precious ore.

The main constituent of stone is silica. On the hardness scale, it has 5 points out of 10. It is a very durable, heat-resistant, refractory, acid-resistant and dense material.

Varieties of andesite

Volcanic rocks in their location are:

  • poured out (located on the surface of the earth) are called effusive;
  • deep (located deep in the earth's crust) are called intrusive.
varieties-color-stone
The lava flowing to the surface is an effusive rock. Andesite refers to the form of effusive occurrence.

Important! Strong and powerful volcanic eruptions and explosions are the result of the fact that andesite lavas contain a large amount of volatile compounds (carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, water, etc.).

The bulk of the rock consists of non-crystallized glass. It is fine-grained in structure. Rough to the touch. The composition is dense, porous, sometimes vitreous, represented by silica and mineral impurities. It contains plagioclase, hornblende, feldspar and biotite.

Specialists in the field of mining distinguish the following types of andesite:

  • basaltic;
  • albite;
  • quartz;
  • quartz-mixed;
  • nepheline;
  • xenolithic.
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Scope

Due to its high characteristics and unique properties, andesite is widely used:

  • Andesite in the form of a slab is used to decorate the cladding of various buildings.
  • Large blocks serve as an excellent foundation for the construction of buildings and structures.
  • Crushed is used as crushed stone in road construction.
  • Ground into flour is used to make high-quality concrete.
  • Due to its strength and durability, this unique stone is widely used in the field of architectural design. The design of stairs, fireplaces, pools gives the interior an unusual style, creates a unique interior.
  • Very resistant to thermal stress. Used for the manufacture of stoves, chimneys, refrigerators.
  • A very good option for paving squares, sidewalks. The durability of this material is calculated in centuries.
  • The environmental friendliness of natural materials is undeniable. That is why such a substance as andesite is actively used for the manufacture of sanitary interior items. Andesite is reliable and durable, in addition, it is not like other materials. It gives charm and originality.
  • Widely used for glass making.
  • Original countertops, souvenirs, caskets, vases are carved from solid stone.
Stones for decorative finishing of buildings
The rock is very resistant to both acid and alkaline attack. Thanks to such universal qualities, it is used in the manufacture of porcelain.

This is interesting! In road construction, its distinctive feature is weather resistance. It promotes good coupling of tires, which significantly reduces accidents on such roads.

Magical properties

The special energy of natural stones has always attracted the attention of people. Andesite is no exception. Sorcerers, magicians and healers began to use it to treat various diseases.

According to supporters of alternative medicine, the stone protects against injuries, puts the physical body and psychological state in order. Influences mental activity. Eliminates negative attitudes.

The andesite boulders of Iki are of constant interest to scientists. They were found near Peru. The peculiarity of the stones is the presence on them of images of the inhabitants of the Andes, their activities. Only here the images do not correspond to the real historical reality.

The appearance of these stones and their popularization in the field of the occult is andesite speculation. It is alarming that the once unknown andesite suddenly began to have the ability to treat the state of absent-mindedness and develop magical intuition.

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The breed is strong. It's very hard to break it down. But the andesite stones of Ica are an exception in this regard. They are damaged by impacts against each other, although their chemical composition is absolutely similar to typical andesite.

Andesite is a widespread volcanic rock. Its main qualitative characteristics: strength, durability, environmental friendliness make it very popular. A wide range of applications: durable roads, building materials, beautiful architectural solutions cannot do without the use of this natural material.

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