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Essay / Diorite Formation, Uses, and Production
Table of ContentsDescriptionLocationFormationUsesProductionDescriptionAn igneous rock formed from underground crystallized magma, diorite is composed of plagioclase feldspar, quartz, hornblende, pyroxene, and biotite. Varieties lacking hornblende are called “leucodiorite”. Diorite ranges in color from gray to dark gray to black, speckled with lighter colors that may appear white. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video?” Shouldn't games be banned? Get the original essayDiorite may contain small amounts of apatite, ilmenite, microcline, and other minerals. It is rated 7 on the Moh's hardness scale (about the same as quartz) and has a speckled or hardness. “Phaneritic” appearance due to the presence of a mixture of minerals in its composition. It has a coarse, grainy structure, in which its large grains are arranged in an interlaced pattern. The density of this rock is between 2.36 and 2.53 grams per cube. centimeter, and its density is between 2.8 and 3.0 times greater than that of water. It is easily recognizable by geologists thanks to its unique texture and its “salt and pepper” appearance in terms of coloring. LocationDiorite deposits are relatively rare, and most often occur in the form of sills, dykes or stocks, or in the form of large masses in the form of batholiths, and are often associated with deposits coinciding with gabbro deposits and granite. Deposits of this rock are found in scattered areas all over the world. Namely, deposits are found in certain localities of countries such as the United Kingdom (Aberdeenshire and Leicestershire), Germany (Saxony and Thuringia), Romania, Italy (Sondrio, Guernsey), New Zealand ( Coromandel Peninsula, Stewart Island, Fiordland), Turkey, Finland, central Sweden, Egypt, Chile and Peru, as well as the US states of Nevada, Utah and Minnesota. In Corsica, a Mediterranean island belonging to France, we find an orbicular (spheroidal) variety of diorite called "Corsite" or "Napoleonite", in homage respectively to its place of origin and to the French leader. FormationPartial fusion of Oceanic plates result in the production of basaltic magma. As it rises, this magma reaches the granite rock of the continental plate. When basaltic magma melts the granite bed, it produces granite magma, and such a magma mixture has a composition of both granite and basalt. If this magma cools and crystallizes before reaching the earth's surface, it results in the formation of diorite deposits. Diorite formations typically occur in volcanic arc regions above subducting plates, or as batholiths during the building of the Cordillera mountains. UsesThe durability of diorite is comparable to that of granite and is therefore often used as a base material in the construction of roads and buildings. It is also used to control soil erosion by being used as a drainage stone. The dimensional stone industry also uses diorite to create carved rock products such as ashlars, paving stones, and facing stones. Ancient civilizations, including the Incas and Mayans of the New World, used this stone as a structural stone to build their marvelous architectural wonders. Many cobbled streets in England, Scotland and elsewhere around the world were built from diorite. St Paul's Cathedral in London has diorite steps. Although this stone was used by Middle Eastern sculptors in..