DIORITE (IGNEOUS ROCKS)

Diorite is a crystalline rock that

mainly comprises white plagioclase
feldspar, pyroxene, hornblende,
and biotite. This is an igneous rock
having a granular structure and is
formed in areas known for active
volcanism. It doesn't contain flat
planes too.

How is Diorite Rock Formed?

Volcanoes form beneath the
Earth's surface, within its crust. The
magma is in the semisolid form. When the temperature rises to a very high degree, the
magma oozes out to the surface from the crater of the volcano. However, sometimes the
magma doesn't succeed in reaching the Earth's surface and turns into solid state. This
leads to the formation of diorite.

Where is Diorite Rock Found?

This rock resembles a dark-colored granite rock. It has been used in making steps of the
St. Paul Cathedral church located in London. It is found on the Coromandel Peninsula,
Darren mountains, Northland, west Nelson area, Fiordland, Stewart Island (New Zealand)
and Leicestershire (Central England).

Properties of Diorite Rock

» The hardness of diorite rock is 7 on Moh's scale.

» This rock has a speckled appearance due to the presence of different types of
minerals.

» Foliage or layered arrangement is absent in its structure.

» It can contain partial amounts of olivine, quartz, and microcline.

» The texture of this rock is coarse-grained, i.e., its grains are larger in size.
» The grains exist in an interlinked pattern.

» The density of diorite rock is 2.36 - 2.53 g/cm3.

» The specific gravity of this rock is 2.8 - 3.0.

» The color index of diorite ranges from 40 – 90.

Information about Diorite Rock
» This rock is called plutonic rock, which means the rock has solidified below the surface
of the Earth. Other than diorite, granite and gabbro are two igneous rocks that have been
formed in the same way.

» Igneous rocks are classified into two main categories: intrusive and extrusive. Diorite
belongs to the intrusive class.

» In addition to its constituent minerals, it may sometimes contain microcline, quartz, and
olivin.

» This is one of the most uncommon igneous rocks.

» It has an appearance similar to that of a combination of salt and pepper.

» The varieties lacking hornblende are leucodiorite.

» It is easily recognizable by scientists and geologists due to its significant texture.

» It belongs to the mafic category of rocks.

» The supplementary minerals diorite can contain are sphene and apatite besides the
oxides of iron.

Uses of Diorite Rock

The hardness of diorite makes it easier for craftsmen to cast it into the desired shape. In
ancient times, it was used in military expeditions, art, as well as to shape granite. It is also
used in the construction industry as well as for making paving blocks.
 MUDSTONE (SEDIMENTARY ROCKS)
Mudstone, a type of mudrock, is a fine-grained
sedimentary rock whose original constituents were
clays or muds. Grain size is up to 0.063 millimetres
(0.0025 in) with individual grains too small to be
distinguished without a microscope.

Define Mudstone
Mudstone is one of the important type of rocks. If we
have to define Mudstone in general, Mudstone is a fine-grained, dark gray sedimentary rock,
which is formed from silt and clay and is similar to shale but has less laminations. Mudstone
comes under Sedimentary Rocks. All Sedimentary Rocks have similar properties and
formation process. Along with Mudstone Definition, know more about the History of
Mudstone, Etymology of Mudstone in next sections.
Mudstone is one of the important type of rocks. If we have to define Mudstone in general,
Mudstone is a fine-grained, dark gray sedimentary rock, which is formed from silt and clay
and is similar to shale but has less laminations. Mudstone comes under Sedimentary Rocks.
All Sedimentary Rocks have similar properties and formation process. Along with Mudstone
Definition, know more about the History of Mudstone, Etymology of Mudstone in next
sections.

Hardness and Strength of Mudstone

The physical properties of Mudstone depend on its formation. Physical properties of rocks
play an important role in determining its applications in various fields. Rocks are rated on the
on the Moh's Hardness Scale which rates the rocks on the scale from 1 to 10. Rocks with
hardness 1-3 are soft rocks from 3-6 are medium hardness rocks and 6-10 are hard rocks.
The hardness of Mudstone is 2-3 whereas its compressive strength is Not Available. Streak
is the color of rock when it is crushed or powdered. The streak of Mudstone is white whereas
its fracture is not available. Luster of Mudstone is the interaction of light with the surface of
Mudstone. Luster of Mudstone is dull. Mudstone cleavage is perfect. The specific gravity of
Mudstone is 2.2-2.8. Mudstone is opaque in nature whereas its toughness is 2.6. You can
also know all the list of rocks in Opaque Rocks, Translucent Rocks and Transparent Rocks.

Know about Composition of Mudstone

The composition of Mudstone can be further divided into mineral and compound content. The
mineral content of Mudstone rock includes Biotite, Chlorite, Feldspar, Micas, Muscovite or
Illite, Plagioclase, Pyrite, Quartz and The compound content of Mudstone rock includes
Aluminium Oxide, NaCl, CaO, Iron(III) Oxide, Silicon Dioxide. Almost all rocks undergo
transformation process. Know all about Mudstone rock in next section.
Types of Mudstone
The types of Mudstone include Marl, Shale and Argillite. Depending upon Mudstone Texture,
it is divided into types. Here, you will get to know about Mudstone types, interesting facts,
features of Mudstone, its monuments and fossils. There are many interesting facts about
Mudstone which are unknown. Along with facts, get to know more about Mudstone Reserves.
Along with Mudstone types and facts, get to know more about features of Mudstone in the
section below.

Information about Mudstone

Rocks are naturally occurring solids which are composed of minerals & have been used by
humans since ages. From Stone Age, rocks are used for various purposes. Also, the metals
and minerals found in rock play an important role in our life. Get to know all the Mudstone
Uses. We have provided you with all information about Mudstone rock here. Mudstone is a
fine-grained, dark gray sedimentary rock, which is formed from silt and clay and is similar to
shale but has less laminations. Mudstone is available in black, blue, brown, green, grey,
orange, red, white, yellow colors. The streak of a rock is the color of powder produced when
it is dragged across an unweathered surface. The streak of Mudstone is white. Get to know
more about Mudstone rock and characteristics of Mudstone rock in the next sections.

Mudstone Formation
Mudstone formation took place millions of years ago. There are a variety of Mudstone
Uses and the Mudstone Reserves are found in many countries around the world. The rocks
in the earth’s crust continuously undergo changes in their composition which leads to
formation of other rocks. Each rock has a unique formation process. Formation of Mudstone
is explained below:

 Mudstone forms when very fine-grained clay particles are deposited in water which settle
at the bottom of water bodies. They are buried and compacted by overlying sediment
hence forming mudstone.