Geology/What is diabase? Thanks, E...
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What is diabase? Thanks, Ed
Hi Ed,
Diabase is a type of rock. If you've ever heard of GABBRO it's the same kind of rock but with a slightly different mineral composition. That might not help much so let's describe it. A Diabase is black to dark gray to dark green rock that is made up of crystals large enough to see with the unaided eye. It's made of minerals heavy in iron like magnetite, augite and hornblende and a lot of others. In the field you probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a gabbro and a diabase. A diabase is a variety of gabbro so they look much alike. One of the distinguishing minerals in diabase is LABRADORITE. If a crystal is large enough you'll see flashes of color when you turn the specimen correctly; you'll see mostly blues. Lot's of times you'll see diabase used as architectural stone and for decorations and gravestones because they are harder and tougher than regular gabbro.
Hope this helped.
bye
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Answers by Expert:
C. Robert Reszka, Jr.
Expertise
I can answer any general geology question (rocks, minerals, stratigraphy, geomorphology etc.). My expertise is in the geology of the Michigan Basin, PreCambrian, Paleozoic and Recent. I can answer questions concerning mining and petroleum exploration and production and the laws concerning those activities. I can also answer questions concerning stratigraphy of the Michigan Basin. I will also answer questions about mineral and rock collecting in the Basin. I won`t be able to answer many specific questions on hydrology, geophysics or geochemistry. I may be able to answer very general questions in those venues.
Experience
I have been working for the State of Michigan for 24 years as a Geologist and a Resource Analyst. I have experience with Subsurface Geology and Petroleum Geology, mining in Michigan, and Sand Dune Mining and Protection issues.
Organizations
Michigan Basin Geological Society
Publications
Decade of North American Geology.
Bedrock Geology of Michigan
Education/Credentials
BS Wayne State University
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