{"product_id":"diorite-rock","title":"Diorite rock","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiorite is a coarse-grained durable rock with a crystalline structure. It has many aesthetic and practical uses, e.g. for monuments, gravestones and kitchen bench tops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIgneous:\u003c\/strong\u003e Formed from molten magma cooling and solidifying while deep underground (therefore a 'plutonic igneous' rock).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSource location:\u003c\/strong\u003e Westland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSizes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Select Shelf, Hand or Small specimen from the drop-down menu.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Images are examples of specimens only. Sizes and shapes will vary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore detail\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eStructure\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiorite is a coarse-grained plutonic igneous rock with a crystalline structure. It is composed mainly of plagioclase feldspar, hornblende, and biotite minerals, with little or no quartz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eType\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlutonic igneous (intermediate composition between gabbro and granite).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePhysical properties of diorite\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColour: Typically speckled black and white (\"salt-and-pepper\" appearance), but can range from grey to dark grey to black, sometimes with lighter white speckles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLustre: Has a crystalline lustre, often described as shiny depending on the mineral composition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardness: A hard rock, ranking around 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness (similar to quartz).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRanges from 2.7 to 2.9 grams per cubic centimetre.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFracture: Exhibits a granular fracture, breaking along interlocking mineral grains.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eGeneral properties of diorite\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComposition: Consists mainly of plagioclase feldspar (dominant), hornblende or pyroxene, and biotite, with little or no quartz. The proportions of these minerals can vary, resulting in different types of diorite.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCoarse-Grained Texture: Has a coarse-grained (phaneritic) texture due to its slow cooling and crystallisation deep within the Earth's crust.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurability: Highly durable and resistant to weathering, comparable to granite, making it suitable for long-lasting applications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeat Resistance: Exhibits good heat resistance and can withstand high temperatures without significant deformation or damage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLow Porosity: Has relatively low porosity, making it less susceptible to water absorption and freeze-thaw damage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eUses of diorite in New Zealand and worldwide\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConstruction: Widely used as a construction material for building facades, walls, flooring, and monuments due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimension Stone: Is cut and polished into slabs or blocks for architectural purposes, including countertops, tiles, curbing, and decorative elements.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLandscaping: Used in landscaping projects for pathways, steps, retaining walls, cobblestone, and decorative features, adding natural beauty and durability to outdoor spaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonuments and Memorials: Diorite's durability and distinctive salt-and-pepper appearance make it a popular choice for monuments, gravestones, and memorials.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSculpture: Used by artists and sculptors to create sculptures and artistic installations, though its hardness makes it more difficult to work with than some other stones.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIndustrial Applications: Used as aggregate in concrete, for road construction, drainage stone to control soil erosion, and as a raw material for manufacturing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGeological Studies: Studied by geologists to understand igneous processes, subduction zone magmatism, and the formation of plutons.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Science Resource Box","offers":[{"title":"Small specimen","offer_id":51038767218855,"sku":null,"price":3.9,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Hand specimen","offer_id":51038767251623,"sku":null,"price":6.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Shelf specimen","offer_id":51038767284391,"sku":null,"price":13.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0534\/1193\/8471\/files\/Granite2_WEB_b1831b5a-35ef-48e6-a225-74ec70ffca71.jpg?v=1785368818","url":"https:\/\/scienceresourcebox.co.nz\/products\/diorite-rock","provider":"Science Resource Box","version":"1.0","type":"link"}