sedimentary
Asphalt Concrete (Bituminous Conglomerate)
Anthropogenic Bituminous Conglomerate
Hardness: Variable based on aggregate (3-7 Mohs); Color: Black to dark grey; Luster: Dull to oily/viscous; Structure: Clastic (conglomerate); Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.5
- Hardness
- Variable based on aggregate (3-7 Mohs)
- Color
- Black to dark grey
- Luster
- Dull to oily/viscous
Identified More sedimentary →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: Variable based on aggregate (3-7 Mohs); Color: Black to dark grey; Luster: Dull to oily/viscous; Structure: Clastic (conglomerate); Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.5
Formation & geological history
Man-made formation involving the mechanical mixing of mineral aggregates (crushed rock, sand, or gravel) with a bituminous binder; mimicking the process of natural conglomerate formation.
Uses & applications
Primary material for road construction, pavement, parking lots, and driveway surfacing.
Geological facts
While it appears geological, this is an anthropogenic (man-made) rock. It is the most recycled material in the world by weight. Natural asphalt (bitumen) has been used since ancient times for waterproofing and medicine.
Field identification & locations
Identified by the dark, tar-like matrix holding together smaller angular crushed stones. Often found near road construction sites or aged infrastructure. Not a natural geological specimen.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone (Quartz-rich)
Arenite (SiO2)
sedimentary
Sandstone (with man-made markings)
Arenite (composed primarily of Quartz, SiO2)
sedimentary