DESCRIPTION: Andesite is an extrusive volcanic rock of
intermediate composition. In a general sense, it is the intermediate type between basalt and rhyolite. It is fine- grained to porphyritic in texture, and is composed predominantly of sodium-rich plagioclase plus pyroxene or hornblende.
IMPORTANCE: It is fairly strong, which allows it to be used in
ANDESITE road and railway construction, and as fill gravel. The grayish colored rocks seen between railway ties are often andesite or its close relative, basalt. Perhaps the most interesting use of andesite is as proof of volcanic activity on Mars.
TYPE OF ROCK: SEDIMENTARY ROCK
DESCRIPTION: Limestone is a type of carbonate sedimentary
rock. It is composed mostly of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate. A closely related rock is dolomite, which contains a high percentage of the mineral dolomite, CaMg(CO₃).
IMPORTANCE: It is used to make cement, crushed stones or
acid neutralization. SEDIMENTARY ROCK
TYPE OF ROCK: IGNEOUS ROCK
DECRIPTION: Diorite is an intrusive igneous rock composed
principally of the silicate minerals plagioclase feldspar, biotite, hornblende, and/or pyroxene. The chemical composition of diorite is intermediate, between that of mafic gabbro and felsic granite.
IMPORTANCE: Uses of Diorite It has a durability that compares
favorably to granite and trap rock. It is used as a base material in the construction of roads, buildings, and parking areas. It is also used as a drainage stone and for erosion control. DIORITE TYPE OF ROCK: IGNEOUS ROCK
DESCRIPTION: Basalt is a mafic extrusive igneous rock formed
from the rapid cooling of lava rich in magnesium and iron exposed at or very near the surface of a terrestrial planet or a moon.
IMPORTANCE: It is used for a wide variety of purposes. It is
commonly crushed for use as an aggregate in construction projects.
BASALT
TYPE OF ROCK: SEDIMENTARY ROCK
DESCRIPTION: It is compose mainly of sand sized silicate grains.
IMPORTANCE: Sandstones are economically important as major
reservoirs for both petroleum and water, as building materials, and as valuable sources of metallic ores. Most significantly, they are the single most useful sedimentary rock type for deciphering Earth history