Despite its high density, diabase has a very important role to play in North Carolina geology. Because of how easily diabase cracks, in the Piedmont it is a major aquifer stone, storing and transmitting an incredible amount of groundwater under our feet.

What is unique about diabase?

It is extremely hard and tough and is commonly quarried for crushed stone, under the name of trap. Although not popular, it makes an excellent monumental stone and is one of the dark-coloured rocks commercially known as black granite.

What are the uses of dolerite?

The physical and chemical properties of dolerite make it highly suitable for a variety of purposes. It is used mainly as crushed aggregate in concrete production, as road sub-base and in flush seals, facing stone in building construction, and as armour stone and rip-rap.