Amphibolite is a metamorphic rock that is coarsely grained, mainly composed of plagioclase feldspar and amphibole mineral. In some cases, it may contain other metals such as garnet, andalusite, staurolite, and kyanite. When igneous and metamorphic rock intrusions solidify inside other rocks within the earth’s crust, they form an amphibolite. Besides, it has a reasonable amount of components that are found in both plutonic and volcanic rocks. These rocks are found any many different parts of the world today since their formation took place millions of years ago. There are a few uses of amphibolite, and it is mainly used in the construction industry.
Metamorphic facies represent amphibolite rocks. On the contrary, some amphibolite were not formed in accordance with the pressure-temperature limits. Depending on the color of the dominant amphibole, the amphibolite is usually dark green or black. These rocks are coarsely grained by mineral rocks, which are easy to see with an unaided eye. These stones can be made out of Basalt by initiating a chemical reaction from high heat and pressure. Water will be required as well because amphiboles are hydrous minerals.
Aleixandre Brongniart, a French geologist, was the person responsible for inventing the term amphibolite. The rocks hardly contain any economic minerals, but it is widely used in the construction industry for railroad ballast and road building. Higher qualities of the stone are mined for architectural designs. Features that make it distinct from other rocks include matrix variable, smooth to the touch and shiny looking. It is also more substantial than granite and more laborious than limestone; hence, the most suitable for highway construction when crushed. Amphibolite is used for sculptures, artifacts, and other various antiquity uses because of its variety of features.
Common uses of amphibolite
The following features and properties are the reason why amphibolite is popular. For example, hardness, texture, streak, appearance, resistance, and toughness make it very useful across various industries.
1. Highway Construction
Since the amphibolite is more massive than granite and more laborious than limestone, it has become instrumental in highway construction. It contains properties that make it desirable when it comes to development. After being quarried, the amphibolite is crushed, making it a right ballast for road construction and an aggregate on the highway. Additionally, Other times, it can be quarried and cut into suitable shapes for use as a dimension stone. The fact that it is readily available makes it the best option. However, it is not very economical to transport it over a long distance. This is because it is cumbersome hence expensive to transport. For that reason, many constructions that involve the use of amphibolite are done close to the source.
2. Architectural design
Due to its appealing textures, polishability, hardness, darkish coloration, and ease of availability, it is used for paving. Alternatively, it is used as a dimension stone when building walls. High qualities of amphibolite are the ones suitable for architectural design. After the high-quality stone is extracted, it’s cut and polished to be used on the exterior buildings as facing stone. Also, it can be used for panels indoors or for floor tiles when well crafted. It makes the floor shiny and the house very classy. You will find the most attractive amphibolite used as countertops. It is also the most sold in the form of black granite for architectural uses. Its attractiveness makes it a perfect choice for decorating entryways, hotels, kitchens, and decorative aggregates. Anything made out of this horn blade is bound to last for a very long time hence saving some cash.
3. Creating Artwork
Amphibolite is also used to create great art. You will come across very many techniques that have been crafted from it. In the streets, libraries, attraction sites, and also in the hotels. The hardness and the shining properties are the reason for it being a good crafting material. Art is significant because it brings people together.
Further, people make a lot of money after selling pieces of art crafted from the same stone. The advantage is that it will last for a very long time because of its hard composition. For example, thousands of years. Other stones used for crafting are not as long-lasting as the amphibolite.
4. Railroad construction
In railroad construction, amphibolite is crushed to make ballast that supports the wooden cross ties in place. It makes one of the best weight because of its toughness and hard composition. In order to bear the load of the train, the pressure is packed between and around the ties. Additionally, the ballast prevents vegetation from growing underneath the track. When the plant grows under the rail, it interferes with the whole structure, which might lead to accidents. The technology of using ballast was discovered over 200 years ago, and it’s still used up to today. Other stones can be used, but the metamorphic rocks have the best properties for the operation. Lastly, the ballast facilitates water drainage and holds the whole path in place for the locomotives to roll over.
5. Jewelry
When polished, amphibolite produces a shimmer effect, which makes it a perfect jewelry component. It is suitable for many types of jewelry because of its wear resistance and durability. This dark material is ideal for making men’s jewelry, such as bracelets, anklets, and rings. Creating and selling jewelry is another great opportunity for making money that it has pledged us. When rounded, it can be used to make beautiful necklaces. This gem can also be customized and integrated into different types of clothes and shoes to enhance fashion.
6. Cemetery markers and commemorative tablets
Amphibolite can last for thousands of years without being damaged or changing its composition. This is the reason why it is preferred over many other stones when crafting the commemorative tablets. Its appearance and toughness make it the best choice for cemetery markers as well. The stone is vital because it has very many commercial uses. People that design the commemorative tables or make cemetery makers make a reasonable amount of money.
