1.1.

Stone Deposits

Stone deposits originated from the following: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. By
means of crushing, this aggregate category is made feasible to be used in construction.
Aggregates coming from igneous rocks were formed through the cooling and solidification of
magma; such stone deposits had either originated below the surface of the earth (plutonic or
intrusive rocks) or were created on the earth’s surface. The distinction between the sources of
igneous rocks is imperative because aggregates formed from different origins exhibit unique and
defining characteristics, especially if such were to be used as a construction material. Intrusive
igneous rocks have a significantly higher propensity to develop large minerals, hence giving it a
coarse-grained texture. On the other hand, extrusive igneous rocks are often fine-grained, due to
the rapid cooling thereof during its formation. Examples of igneous rocks that are used as
aggregates are granite, basalt, and rhyolite.

Sedimentary rocks typically come from places within or proximate to bodies of water. This is
because these rocks were formed by the precipitation of chemicals, settlement of sediments and
organic matter, and cementation thereof. Some examples of sedimentary rocks that have
construction applications are limestone, dolomite, shale, and sandstone. In the United States,
limestone and dolomite approximately account for 70 percent of the total crushed stone produced.

Lastly, metamorphic rocks, which are basically transformed rocks that had undergone through
extremely high temperature and pressure have variable properties. Some examples of
metamorphic rocks used as aggregates are quartzite, marble, slate, and gneiss.

1.2. Sand and Gravel Deposits

Sand and gravel deposits emanate from a certain parent material that have been transported to
a different locations by either of the following processes: fluvial (through streams), glacial, or
alluvial (through sediment deposition). Sand and gravel pits can be usually found in river valleys,
bedrock, and alluvial fans in mountains, hills, and canyons. In the United States, sand and gravel
forms the 42 percent of the total construction aggregates produced therein.

1.3. Other Sources

According to Knipple Aggregates, other aggregate sources include slag, recycled concrete, and
other synthetic aggregates. Slags were primarily formed as a byproduct of steel and metal
production, especially when such compounds are to be extracted from ores; when the metallic
substance were separated from the impurities, the mixture of such impurities alongside other
infused chemicals form the slags. Synthetic aggregates on the other hand are also termed as
lightweight aggregates because its unit weight typically ranges from 55 to 70 pounds per cubit
foot. Synthetic aggregates were typically made from postconsumer plastics, rubbers, and
ceramics, combined with other constituents, e.g., high carbon content fly ash.