Diorite Igneous Rock - 10 Unpolished Mineral Specimens

Diorite is a relative rare intrusive igneous rock, that is primarily made up of silicate minerals. It is considered intrusive because it was formed by the crystallization of magma as it pushed its way up from deep with the earth, filling in any available spaces that it could find. It features a speckled, coarse-grained texture, and is most commonly produced around a chain of volcanoes that formed above a subducting tectonic plate, and in the formation of mountains like the Andes. Though rare, it was known to ancient civilizations for its extreme hardness, and was used to work granite. That same hardness allowed a stonemason to give it a high polish, providing a durable and lasting work when finished. The most famous work that diorite has been used for was the Code of Hammurabi, which was inscribed upon a pillar of black diorite that was almost 7.5 feet tall.Origin: CO, Canada

• Each rock measures approx. 1 to 2 inches along the longest side
• Usually grey to dark grey in color, but is known to be found in black or blue-grey, and with a greenish cast
• Its extreme hardness was harnessed to work granite
• Diorite had the Code of Hammurabi inscribed on it
• Pack of 10 samples