(Uses and types of it)

Stone powder, as the name suggests, is derived from stone and used in various industries. In this article, we will thoroughly examine this product, its types, and its applications.

Stone powder is a byproduct of stone-cutting factories and quarries, which is often used for industrial construction activities. This product can also be seen in civil engineering and construction projects.

What is Stone Powder?

Stone powder, also known as rock dust or stone flour, is derived from the residues of natural stones and mineral ores. Industrial processes such as stone crushing and cutting leave behind powdery fragments that can be used in construction projects. Additionally, other industrial methods like grinding mills are employed to produce it. Naturally, stone powder is also produced through the erosion process of stones.

Both methods of creating stone powder produce is a similar product that may differ in size or shape. For example, stone powder obtained through industrial methods has a sharp shape, making it suitable for asphalt production. Naturally produced stone powder, on the other hand, tends to have a more rounded shape.

Suggested article: How to manage waste from mines and stone cutting plants?

Uses of Stone Powder

Stone powder is used in various industries depending on the size of its particles.

• Raw Brick Materials:

Stone powder can be used in the brick-making industry. This product increases the strength of bricks and is added to some bricks in a ratio of 10%. One of the bricks that often uses stone powder in its production is the interlocking brick, which has recently gained popularity among other building products. The use of stone powder in the production of interlocking bricks makes them twice as strong as regular bricks.

• Production of Mortar:  

As mentioned earlier, the primary use of stone powder is in the construction industry. Producing mortar with it is also one of its most common applications. In fact, stone powder is used in the composition of mortar, cement, and sand. Additionally, this product can be found in the production of asphalt, glass, facing bricks, and the mosaic industry.

• Disinfection of the Environment:

 One way to prevent the acidification of the environment is to use soil derived from stones. In fact, stone flour has disinfectant properties and causes the destruction of the cell membranes of bacteria and fungi. Therefore, it is used to clean and disinfect places such as swimming pools, livestock farms, and aquaculture facilities.

• Artistic Works:

Various types of stone powder are also used in artistic activities such as sculpture and carving

• Agriculture Industry:  

Interestingly, stone powder is also used in the agriculture industry and is considered a beneficial product in farming. In fact, stone flour is added to the soil to increase its fertility and to harvest more crops. If the soil intended for agriculture has become acidic, adding limestone powder increases the soil’s pH level, creating suitable conditions for plant growth.

• Drainage of Waterways:

 In pathways where there is a possibility of sedimentation of construction materials, this product can be used as raw material in the drainage of waterways for irrigating trees.

• Preventing Structural Erosion:

Another application of stone powder is in the construction of protective walls and dams built along coastlines. In fact, crushed stone and stone products are used to prevent erosion of these structures against water and ice. Generally, using stone powder in any construction significantly increases its resistance.

• Household Wastewater Treatment:

As mentioned earlier, stone flour has antimicrobial properties. Therefore, it can be used to regulate acidity and treat household and municipal wastewater.

Get to Know the Types of Stone Powder

Depending on the type of stone used to produce this product, stone powders are classified into different categories. Below, we will introduce the types of stone powder.

• Limestone:

Stone powder derived from limestone is used in the production of cement, mortar, concrete, road construction, chemical industries, acid neutralization, animal feed, and more.

• Joushan Stone Powder:

 The purest and whitest type of stone powder is Joushan. Its whiteness is so notable that it is used for facade work in the northern cities of Iran. This product is obtained from quarry stone debris.

• Dolomite Stone:

Dolomite stone powder is quite similar to limestone, and its chemical formula is calcium magnesium carbonate.

• Granite Stone Powder:

Metamorphic rocks such as diorite, rhyolite, basalt, peridotite, etc., are referred to as granite stones. The powder derived from these stones is used in various industries.

• Marble Stone:

 This stone is similar to limestone and is used for impurity removal, filter production, as a filler, in human and animal food industries, whitewashing, and more.