Basalt is a natural stone. Most often found near volcanoes. The largest deposits are found in Russia, Ukraine, America, on the Hawaiian and Kuril Islands. In nature, basalt occurs in the form of plates, shapeless and rounded stones, as well as a lava flow.
What is basalt?
This is a rock with certain characteristics. We list them:
- Feldspar and augite are the main components of basalt.
- Color scale: dark gray, black, asphalt, and also there are specimens with a greenish tint.
- At zero temperature, the specific heat is 0.85 J / (kg · K).
- Resistance varies from 50-400 MPa.
- The elasticity of the material is in the range of 0.2-0.25.
- The melting point is different, in some specimens - at the level of 1000-1200 ° C, in others - 1500 ° C.
- Basalt is a stone with a density of 2500 to 2900 kg / m 2 .
- Moisture absorption ranges from 0.25-10%.
Basalt composition: features
Every person from the time of school knows that all minerals have a certain structure. As a rule, when considering them, both chemical composition and mineral composition are taken into account. This makes it difficult to distinguish basalt, granite, marble, etc., in appearance , and to have the most complete information about their technical characteristics. It is this knowledge that helps to ergonomically apply this or that material.
The composition of any basalt includes climopyroxene, titanomagnetite, volcanic glass, plagioclase, magnetite. Its structure is distinguished by a porphyry surface, sometimes afriro. In this case, sometimes there are species as smooth as glass. These criteria are affected by the peculiarity of the location of basalt deposits. Those that are on the surface are most often bubbly, since fumes and gases escape through these holes during cooling of volcanic lava. Subsequently, minerals such as copper, prenite, calcium, zeolite can be deposited in hollow places. Scientists have identified such formations in a certain form, called almond-stone.
The mineral composition of basalt taken from different deposits can vary significantly. This is mainly due to the entry of certain impurities into it. For example, the structure of some is characterized by the presence of pyroxene prisms; thanks to them, basalt becomes black. But olivine crystals color the stone in a yellow-green tint. It should be noted that the size of impurities can reach ¼ of the total mass. Basalts, which include minerals such as hornblende, apatite, orthopyroxene, are less common.
Popular views
Basalt is a generic name. It combines many different types. The most common ones are:
- Asian - an inexpensive stone, widely used during the design of rooms, as well as in architecture. Its color is mainly the color of "wet asphalt."
- Twilight - Large deposits are located in China. It is dark gray, even black. It is considered the highest quality type of environment for everyone else, because it has a high level of resistance to temperature extremes, mechanical damage, humidity fluctuations, etc.
- Moorish - almond-stone form. On its surface has a wide variety of inclusions. The color scheme is mostly green. The appearance of such basalt is quite original, which allows it to be used for decorating rooms and buildings. However, it is worth noting that its technical indicators are somewhat inferior: frost resistance and hardness is of a low level.
- Basaltin is the most common species. Large deposits are located near Rome. Belongs to the most expensive materials. It has an original surface, which allows it to be widely used in the architectural field. By strength, such basalt can be compared with granite, after laying it for a long time retains all its inherent qualities.
Scope of application
Basalt is a fairly common material that is widely used in various fields. The main one is architectural. But also high-quality building materials are made from it, added to concrete mortars for fortress or used during the pouring of plates. Basalt is often used as a finishing material for floors or walkways. And for the insulation of buildings from the outside, it is simply indispensable. Most designers give basalt due attention during room decoration. It is widely used in the decoration of fireplaces and walls. With this solution, it is easy to accentuate and contrast the interior.
Basalt Benefits
This species has many advantages. The most significant:
- sound absorption;
- vapor permeability;
- high level of thermal stability;
- environmentally friendly;
- high-quality thermal insulation;
- strength;
- not electrified;
- fire safety;
- durability.
Basalt Products
They extract gray basalt in mines and quarries. The mining industry is most often involved in this. After the seizure, it is sent to special enterprises, where various products are made directly from basalt. It can be sandwich panels, tiles, frames for stairs, fibers for insulation of roofs and other surfaces. Basalt is also used for the construction of columns, arches, statues. Its powder is added during the production of reinforced products to ensure their reliability and strength.
And finally, about the cost
Basalt, the price of which, unlike other natural materials is considered quite affordable, can be widely used without increasing the cost of the object. For instance:
- basalt gravel - from 250 to 400 r. for packaging;
- facing plates - from 2000 r. for 1 square. m;
- cobblestone basalt - 3200-3500 r. for 1 square. m