How is andesite used by humans?

Andesite (from the name of the mountain system Andes Engl. Andes в South America) is a volcanic rock of average composition, normal alkalinity. Silica content (SiO₂) is 52-65%.

Description

Mineral composition: Plagioclase, phenocrysts feldspars, Horny blende, biotite Color: Dark gray or almost black. Structure: Partially crystalline (porphyritic), fine-grained. The main mass is characterized by a pilotaxitic structure formed by subparallel sheets plagioclase. Texture: Dense or porous, often fluid. Specific gravity: 2,5. Form of occurrence: Volcanic flows and extrusive domes. Separateness: Columnar, in the case of underwater eruptions – cushion. Genesis: Effusive analogue quartz diorite. Cainotypic (unmodified) breed. Andesites are characteristic of mature, ensialicisland arcs and active continental margins of the Andean type. Metaandesites occur in post-Archean greenstone belts.

Application

Practical value: Construction and acid-resistant material. Varieties: Based on the composition of dark-colored minerals in phenocrysts, augite, hypersthene, hornblende and biotite andesites are distinguished. Diagnostics: Andesites are connected by continuous transitions with volcanic rocks of similar composition – basalts, dacites, trachytes. Macroscopically determining the type of volcanic rock is not always possible. Unlike basalts, andesites are not characterized by pyroxene phenocrysts; aphyric varieties are quite rare. As a rule, phenocrysts in andesites are represented by plagioclase. Place of Birth: Armenia, Kurile Islands, Ukraine, Georgia, Kamchatka, Caucasus, middle Asia, Primorye, etc. Quartz (German. Quartz) – one of the most common minerals в earth’s crust, rock-forming majority mineral igneous и metamorphic breeds. Free content in the earth’s crust 12% [1] . It is part of other minerals in the form of mixtures and silicates. In total, the mass fraction of quartz in the earth’s crust is more than 60% [2] . In human blood and plasma, the concentration of silica is 0,001% by weight [1] . Chemical formula: YesO₂ (silica). The word “quartz” comes from the German word Quartz, derived from Middle High German twarc, which means “solid”. [3] According to other data from German. Querklüfterz, Quererz – “ore of secant veins.” [4] Quartz is used in optical instruments, in ultrasound generators, in telephone and radio equipment (as piezoelectric), in electronic devices (“quartz” in technical slang is sometimes called quartz resonator – component of devices for stabilizing the frequency of electronic generators). Large quantities are consumed by the glass and ceramic industries (rock crystal and pure quartz sand). Also used in the production of silicarefractories и quartz glass. Many varieties are used in jewelry. Feldspars – a large group of widespread, in particular – rock-forming minerals from the class silicates(Feldspat – from German “feld” – field and Greek “spate” – plate, due to the ability to split into plates along cleavage). Most feldspars are representatives of solid solutions of the ternary system isomorphic series K[AlSi₃O₈] – Na[АlSi₃O₈] – Ca[AlSi₂O₈], the end members of which are, respectively, orthoclase (Or), albite (Ab), anorthitis (An). There are two isomorphic series:albite (Ab) — orthoclase (Or) and albite(Ab) — anorthitis (An). Minerals of the first of them can contain no more than 10% An, and the second – no more than 10% Or. Only in sodium feldspars close to Ab does the solubility of Or and An increase. The members of the first row are called alkaline (K-Na feldspars), the second – plagioclases(Ca-Na feldspars). The continuity of the Ab-Or series appears only at high temperatures; at low temperatures, miscibility breaks with the formation pertites. Along withsanidine, which is high-temperature, low-temperature potassium feldspars are released – microcline иorthoclase. Feldspars are the most common rock-forming minerals, they make up about 50% of the massEarth’s crust. This mineral is the second most abundant on the planet after basalt. Andesite stone is in demand in serious industries, primarily construction. Magicians value it as an attribute of the ancient Incas civilization.

What is the

• These are frozen granular or other forms: domes, streams, vertical columns.
• The stone is opaque, dense, and can be easily distinguished by its roughness or “pumice” texture.
• The color is dark gray with small black spots. Sometimes a greenish tint is visible.

The main components are pyroxenes, hornblende, spar, and dark mica. They are supplemented in the composition of andesite by oxides of aluminum, iron, calcium, and silicon.

History

The rock is relatively young: samples found in the Andes (mountain system of South America) were described in 1836 by geologist Christian Buch.

In history, andesite is associated with the civilization of the ancient Incas. The proof was the discovery of several stones by archaeologists. They depict moments of everyday life, battles, and other aspects of the daily life of the Indians.

The artifacts were divided among scientists and collectors.

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Andesite is named after the Andes mountain range where the first samples of the rock were found.

Physico-chemical characteristics

For a chemist, the mineral andesite is a compound of complex composition with a long formula.

The main characteristics of the rock are strength, resistance to heat, temperature changes, acids, alkalis, and other chemicals. Sometimes it is decorative.

Excess moisture provokes oxidation of iron, which is why the gray-black agglomerates turn brown or pink.

Varieties

Andesites are diverse, so they are ordered into groups.

Varieties based on the predominant component of the composition:

1. Biotite.
2. Plagioclase.
3. Pyroxene.
4. Hornblende.

The second basis of division is based on the description of the structure. Dense mandelsteins, glassy obsidians and spongy-vesicular pumice are distinguished here.

Mining sites

As a common rock, andesite is present in sites of ancient volcanic activity throughout the planet.

Russian deposits – Kamchatka, Caucasus, Kuril Islands, Primorye.

The stone is mined in Armenia, the Carpathians, and Italy.

Where to use

The main scope of application of the breed is in industrial sectors:

• Andesite is used to pave sidewalks, highways, and other public spaces.
• This is a material for foundations, cladding walls of swimming pools and buildings.
• Andesite is suitable for decorating fireplaces, stairs, and interiors in general.
• Stoves and chimneys are laid with stone blocks.
• The raw materials are used in the manufacture of armored and fire-resistant glass, crushed stone, concrete, and porcelain.

The main consumer of andesite raw materials is the construction complex.

All types of stone are in demand, they are processed rationally: stone “fine” is crushed into powder and becomes a component of concrete, larger fragments become crushed stone. Massive blocks or slabs are polished. They decorate the interior and exterior.

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The breed is environmentally friendly and well processed. These properties of andesite are used by stone cutters when turning large plastic pieces and vases. As well as esoteric products: pyramids, balls, amulets, talismans.

You can take minimal care, except maybe take care of the polish.

Jewelers are not interested in stone, so the problem of how to distinguish the original from the imitation is irrelevant for andesite.

Therapeutic effect

Lithotherapists consider andesite to be universal: it heals the body and soul. Tactile contact with the mineral calms thoughts, clears negativity, and eliminates anxiety.

On the physical plane, the influence of the stone is manifested in strengthening the immune system and healing the body as a whole.

Wearing a stone makes a person healthier, more creative, and smarter.

Magical properties

Esotericists and magicians revere andesite as a stone associated with the mysterious empire of the ancient Incas.

The magic of the stone makes an ordinary person more confident and decisive. Can help develop intuition.

Experts recommend rosaries or keychains as a talisman.

Andesite according to the Zodiac

Astrologers say: the stone is ideal for Leo, Taurus, and Sagittarius. However, it is not contraindicated for other zodiac signs.

If in doubt, you can check your personal compatibility with the stone by holding it in your hands. If there is no discomfort, the stone is suitable as a talisman or amulet.

Price

On Russian online platforms they offer to buy decorative items and building materials (price, rub.):

• paving stones – 1-550 (m2);
• facing tiles – 1-700 (m1)
• block (fractions 400-1 mm) – 500 (kg).
• crushed stone – 850-950 (ton);
• ball (58 mm) – 3.

When setting the price, importance is attached to decorativeness, degree of processing, and deposit.