sedimentary
Asphalt (Road Aggregate)
Bituminous conglomerate
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 1-3 (soft/brittle); Color: Black to dark gray; Luster: Dull to greasy; Structure: Granular/amorphous; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.1-2.5
- Hardness
- 1-3 (soft/brittle)
- Color
- Black to dark gray
- Luster
- Dull to greasy
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Asphalt (Road Aggregate) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 1-3 (soft/brittle); Color: Black to dark gray; Luster: Dull to greasy; Structure: Granular/amorphous; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.1-2.5
Formation & geological history
Formed through the mixture of bitumen (binder) with mineral aggregates like gravel, sand, or stone. Can occur naturally in tar pits or as a man-made composite.
Uses & applications
Primary material for road construction, pavement, roofing shingles, and waterproofing.
Geological facts
While frequently man-made, natural asphalt (bitumen) has been used since ancient times for mummification in Egypt and as a sealant for boats in Mesopotamia.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its dark color, crumbly texture, and the distinct smell of petroleum when heated. Commonly found on road surfaces or near construction sites.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Fossiliferous Concretion
Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids
fossil
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Generic Pebble / Rock Fragment
Lithic fragment / Weathered rock
sedimentary
Banded Siltstone / Mudstone Pebble
Siltstone / Argillite
sedimentary