man-made composite

Asphalt Pavement (with aggregate)

Asphalt concrete

Composed of mineral aggregate bound together with asphalt (bitumen). Highly variable hardness depending on the aggregate, dark color (initially black, fading to gray), rough texture.

Identified July 13, 2026More man-made composite →

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Physical properties

Composed of mineral aggregate bound together with asphalt (bitumen). Highly variable hardness depending on the aggregate, dark color (initially black, fading to gray), rough texture.

Formation & geological history

Manufactured composite material created by heating and mixing asphalt binder and mineral aggregate (crushed rock, sand, gravel).

Uses & applications

Primary use is in road construction, paving, parking lots, and roofing.

Geological facts

Asphalt is highly recyclable and is one of the most recycled materials in the world.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its dark color, rough aggregate texture, and presence on roads or paved surfaces.

Other man-made composite specimens

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Asphalt (Road Aggregate)

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sedimentary

Mohave Turquoise (Composite/Stabilized)

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Chakra Stone Tower (Composite Multi-Mineral)

Crystalline Silicon Dioxide composite (SiO2) with various inclusions

mineral

Asphalt (Road Aggregate)

Bituminous Conglomerate / Asphalt Concrete

Anthropogenic (Man-made)

Terrazzo (Man-made Composite)

Cementitious or Resin-bound Lithic Composite

sedimentary (artificial)

Concrete / Anthropogenic Conglomerate

Man-made composite material (Portland cement, aggregate, and water)

not a natural rock