sedimentary
Asphalt (Bituminous Pavement)
Bituminous mix (Aggregates with Bitumen binder)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 1-3 (highly variable); Color: Black to dark grey; Luster: Dull to sub-metallic; Structure: Granular/clastic; Specific gravity: ~2.3
- Hardness
- 1-3 (highly variable)
- Color
- Black to dark grey
- Luster
- Dull to sub-metallic
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Asphalt (Bituminous Pavement) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 1-3 (highly variable); Color: Black to dark grey; Luster: Dull to sub-metallic; Structure: Granular/clastic; Specific gravity: ~2.3
Formation & geological history
Modern man-made sedimentary formation. It is composed of mineral aggregates (crushed rock, sand, gravel) bound together by bitumen, a viscous petroleum product. Natural asphalt also occurs in tar pits and oil sands.
Uses & applications
Primary material for road construction, airport runways, parking lots, and roofing shingles.
Geological facts
Asphalt is 100% recyclable and is the most recycled material in the world. Natural asphalt pits like the La Brea Tar Pits have preserved fossils for thousands of years.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its dark color, rough granular texture, and petroleum scent when heated. In the field, it is found covering most urban surfaces and highways.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary