sedimentary
Asphalt / Road Aggregate
Bituminous Conglomerate (synthetic)
Hardness varies based on aggregate (typically 5-7 Mohs); Color: dark grey to black matrix with multicolored crushed stone; Luster: matte to oily when fresh; Structure: massive, clastic.
- Color
- dark grey to black matrix with multicolored crushed stone
- Luster
- matte to oily when fresh
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Physical properties
Hardness varies based on aggregate (typically 5-7 Mohs); Color: dark grey to black matrix with multicolored crushed stone; Luster: matte to oily when fresh; Structure: massive, clastic.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the mechanical mixing of bitumen (petroleum-based binder) with crushed stone aggregates. While the minerals in the stones are ancient, the composite material is modern man-made infrastructure.
Uses & applications
Primary material for road construction, pavement, parking lots, and roof shingles.
Geological facts
Asphalt is one of the most recycled materials in the world; nearly 99% of asphalt pavement is reclaimed and reused in new projects.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its dark, tar-like matrix binding heterogeneous crushed rocks together. Found globally in urban environments and transportation networks.
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