IndexDescriptionPositionFormationUsesProductionDescriptionIgneous rock formed from underground crystallized magma, Diorite is composed of plagioclase feldspar, quartz, hornblende, pyroxene and biotite. Varieties without hornblende are called "leucodiorite". The color of diorite varies from gray to dark gray to black, punctuated by lighter colors that may appear white. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Tailored Essay on “Why Violent Video” Shouldn't Games Be Banned? Get the original essay Diorite may contain small amounts of apatite, ilmenite, microcline, and other minerals. It is rated as a 7 on the Moh's hardness scale (about the same as quartz) and has a speckled color, or. “Phaneritic” appearance due to the presence of a mixture of minerals in its composition. It has a coarse and grainy structure, in which its large grains are arranged in an intertwined manner. The density of this rock is between 2.36 and 2.53 grams per cubic centimeter and its specific gravity is between 2.8 and 3.0 times greater than that of water. It is easily recognized by geologists by virtue of its unique texture and its "salt and pepper" appearance in terms of coloration. Location Diorite deposits are relatively rare. and most commonly occur as sills, dykes or stumps, or in the form of large masses such as batholiths, and are often associated with coincidence with gabbro and granite deposits. Deposits of this rock are found in scattered areas throughout the world. Namely, deposits occur in some locations of countries such as the United Kingdom (Aberdeenshire and Leicestershire), Germany (Saxony and Thuringia), Romania, Italy (Sondrio, Guernsey), New Zealand (Coromandel Peninsula, Stewart Island, Fiordland ), Turkey, Finland, central Sweden, Egypt, Chile and Peru, as well as the US states of Nevada, Utah and Minnesota. In Corsica, a Mediterranean island belonging to France, a variety of orbicular (spheroidal) diorite called "Corsite" or "Napoleonite" is found, in homage respectively to the place of origin and to the French leader.FormationPartial fusion of the oceanic plates gives rise to the production of basaltic magma. As this magma rises, it reaches the granite rock of the continental plate. When basaltic magma melts the granite bed, it produces granitic magma, and such a magma mixture has a composition of both granite and basalt. If this magma cools and crystallizes before reaching the Earth's surface, diorite deposits form. Diorite formations usually occur in volcanic arc regions above subducting plates, or as batholiths during the building of the Cordillera Mountains. Uses The durability of diorite is comparable to that of granite, and therefore it is often used as a base material in the construction of roads and buildings. It is also used to control soil erosion by being used as a drainage stone. The dimension stone industry also uses diorite to create sculptured rock products such as ashlar, pavers, and veneer stone. Ancient civilizations, including the Incas and Mayans of the New World, used this stone as a structural stone in the construction of their wondrous architectural wonders. Many cobbled streets in England, Scotland and other places around the world were built using diorite. St. Paul's Cathedral, London, has steps made of diorite. Although this stone was used by Middle Eastern sculptors in ancient times, its hardness makes it difficult to use for sculpture, and therefore it is not preferred as a sculpting stone by modern-day artists. The Code of Hammurabi, one of the first sets of codified laws, was carved into one of the most famous.