TYPE OF ROCK: IGNEOUS ROCK

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

SANDSTONE