Stone Dust at Lynx Cat Rock Quarry in Southern California
Stone dust is a sand-like material that is a by-product of stone-crushing processes. This material has many uses mainly because of its similarity to natural river sand. It has been shown that replacing fine aggregate with stone dust increases the compressiveness of concrete.
Where Does Stone Dust Come From?
Stone dust, also called quarry or rock dust, is collected at rock quarries using a screen that filters the large pieces above it. The screen lets the stone dust fall through, which is then graded based on the size of the stones. In appearance, you can think of this material as the most miniature form of stone.
How Is Stone Dust Used?
Stone dust has many uses. It’s most commonly used as a sand replacement. It however has properties that makes it superior to sand in some instances. Some of its most common uses include the following:
Stone Dust as Base for Pavers
This is one of the most common uses of stone dust. Many contractors report that the material is an excellent alternative to concrete sand for laying pavers. Stone dust contains super fine particles. When compacted, it sets up to create a waterproof barrier under pavers. In addition, the fine nature of the quarry dust stops the blocks from moving. It can also be quite useful when building patios of natural stone.
Stone Dust as Replacement for Gravel
Stone dust is sometimes used in landscaping as a gravel replacement. Landscapes compact the dust, so it creates a sturdy walkway or driveway. There’s no need to pour concrete during this process. The dust also has
Stone Dust as Remineralization of Croplands
Some organic gardeners use stone dust in their fields. While it may not provide a lot of phosphorous, nitrogen, or sulfur, and it’s not really a fertilizer, stone dust supplies a significant amount of trace minerals. Because of its fine nature, it has a larger surface area, allowing water to efficiently dissolve minerals and provide them to plants. Stone dust from basalt and granite is considered higher in trace minerals.
Compared to sand and other options, stone/quarry dust is the cheaper option. For most people, this alone gives it an advantage over other materials, allowing them to save money on landscaping and hardscaping projects. If you are looking for aggregate products in Southern California and the surrounding areas, call us today for a quote.
