Crushed Stone Vs. Gravel

A Look At The Differences Between These Two Aggregates

Did you know that crushed stone and gravel are not the same? Although both come from the same material and the same local stone quarries, these two stone products are produced differently and have different uses in construction and landscaping projects.

Crushed stone and gravel suppliers keep these two aggregates in separate categories because of their differing production methods, sizes, and uses. When deciding on which type to use for your construction project needs, consider these differences when speaking with your local gravel supplier.

Key Differences Between Gravel And Crushed Stone

Most people rarely use the term “crushed stone” and instead refer to both gravel and crushed stone as “gravel.” But there are key differences between crushed stone and gravel, including their:

Sources

While crushed stone is a commercial product created with the use of machines to mine and crush rock, gravel is a product created from natural weathering.

Gravel is fragmented rock sourced from deposits of weathered rock found in rivers, streams, and gravel pits. Although gravel is a natural product of erosion and weathering, gravel suppliers can mine gravel in quarries using the same crushing equipment for crushed stone.

Shapes

Due to the crushing process, crushed stone typically has more angular surfaces. Gravel tends to have a rounder shape due to the natural weathering process and is usually much smaller than crushed stone. However, gravel that is crushed will have a more angular shape.

Sizes

Crushed stone ranges in size from fine stone dust (screenings) to larger and heavier stones. Gravel comes in various sizes that are larger than 2 mm in diameter, starting from about a ¼ inch, and going up to 2 inches or more.

Where Does Crushed Stone Come From?

Most of the crushed stone is produced in quarries and is crushed by a machine. A machine usually breaks up and crushed larger parent rocks. There are various possibilities when it comes to parent rocks used for crushed stone:

Limestone

Limestone is the most common rock type used to make crushed stone in North America due to its wide availability and versatility. It is also easy to crush because it is soft. And it causes less wear on equipment compared to harder rocks.

Ranging in particle size from largest to smallest, limestone is available as coarse aggregate, crushed limestone, mine run limestone, and limestone fines. Limestone is a key ingredient in concrete and is also used to make cement.

Dolomite

Also known as dolostone, dolomite is similar to limestone, and these rocks are often mined together at a quarry. However, dolomite is harder than limestone, making it more durable to abrasion.

Granite

Granite refers to various light-coloured igneous rocks used in construction. In the construction industry, the following are some of the rocks that are often referred to as granite:

After limestone, granite is the second most popular rock used for crushed stone. It is durable and resistant to acidic water and soil. Crushed granite is also a suitable and durable substitute for limestone in concrete.

Trap Rock

Like granite, trap rock is a name for a variety of igneous rocks used in construction. However, trap rock refers to dark-coloured igneous rock.

Here are some of the dark igneous rocks often referred to as trap rocks:

Traprock is another common rock used for producing crushed stone. Like granite, trap rock is also very durable to abrasion and acidity, and makes for a suitable concrete aggregate,

Scoria

Scoria is a vesicular rock, meaning it has voids in it that formed from gas bubbles that were trapped in the rock as it solidified from a melt. These voids make scoria and other vesicular rocks weaker, and unable to withstand heavy loads. The voids also make these rocks less durable during freeze-thaw cycles.

But these voids also make scoria more lightweight. And its rough surfaces help it bind well as a concrete aggregate. Scoria is an ideal crushed stone for lightweight aggregates, lightweight concrete, and even roofing granules.

Scoria and other lightweight vesicular rocks, like volcanic cinder, are easy to handle and are also ideal for use in landscaping, garden planters, saunas, grills, filter stone, and traction on snow-covered roads.

Sandstone

Composed mostly of quartz, sandstone is a durable material. However, it does have its drawbacks. Sandstone naturally forms from sand grains that have been cemented together by clay, calcite, or silicate minerals. But since this natural cement doesn’t fill all the voids between the sand grains, sandstone is porous.

The porous spaces in sandstone allow this rock to absorb water easily. As a result, water absorbed in sandstone will expand every time it freezes. Over time, the freeze-thaw cycle will take its toll on sandstone, causing the sand grains to dislodge and the rock to break. As such, sandstone is not ideal for use in cold climates that experience extreme freeze-thaw cycles.

When heated, the sand particles in sandstone weld together. This heated sandstone is known as quartzite. Quartzite is extremely durable, even during freeze-thaw cycles. But this hard rock is more difficult to mine, handle, and transport, making it unpopular for construction use.

Read More: Crushed Stone Grades

The Pros And Cons Of Each Material

Crushed stone has a rounder finish, therefore using it for areas like driveways would not be as solid as using gravel. They can create an unstable surface.

Gravel, however, has an angular shape and will lock together on a driveway. If your project involves heavy traffic, whether by foot or by car, you are definitely better off with gravel.

Crushed stone, on the other hand, is a better choice for projects requiring more aesthetics. Gravel is also typically less expensive than stone.

What Can You Use Them For?

You can use them for all sorts of things, however, there are still differences when it comes to which aggregate can be used for what.

For example, crushed stone is better for construction, decorative landscaping water drainage and pathways. Gravel, on the other hand, works great for driveways, walkways, pool decks, and playgrounds.

Read More: What Type Of Gravel Is Best For Driveways?

Making The Most Of Both Products

Even though they are different and work great on their own, both crushed stone and gravel can be used together in construction projects. Crushed stone, sand and gravel are commonly used as key ingredients for mixing concrete. These aggregates are also used as:

Drainage Aggregates

Crushed stone, sand, and gravel can all be used as drainage aggregates. Drainage aggregates are either natural or processed, and coarse or fine.

Coarse aggregate is typically larger than 5 mm in diameter, while fine aggregates are less than 5 mm.

Base Layers

Road and patio base layers can benefit from using both crushed stone and gravel. Road base layers, such as what you’d find on a gravel road or driveway, often use a top layer of ¾-inch aggregates.

Sub-base layers, immediately below the road, driveway, or patio top layer, are usually 1 ½ to 3 inches.

Both the base and sub-base layers can be a mixture of large (3/4 inch), medium (3/8 inch), and small (less than 1/8 inch) aggregates. The medium-sized particles fill the void of the large aggregates, and the small particles fill the voids of the medium aggregates, making for a dense and sturdy layer.

When compacted, these mixed base layers become impervious to water, securing the roadway (driveway, or patio) from degradation, wash boarding, and potholes.

The Rock-solid Takeaway

Crushed stone and gravel will always be a staple in construction and decoration for years to come. Stone will always offer significant benefits when it comes to practicality, affordability, and aesthetics.

Your local stone and gravel supplier can help you plan your next project and ensure that you are well equipped for a successful outcome.

Published: October 2017

Updated, February 2022