Metabasalt (Greenstone)
Virginia Greenstone
Virginia Greenstone is a metamorphosed basalt, formed from ancient lava flows. It is typically dark grey to dark green on a freshly broken face, but weathered surfaces can appear light grey or rust-red. It is found throughout the Blue Ridge province of Virginia, with notable occurrences like the Catoctin greenstone.
- Origin
- Virginia, USA
- Quarry
- Lynchburg, Virginia (Virginia Greenstone Company Quarry - now closed)
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6 (Some sources indicate greenstone around 5-6 on Mohs scale).
- Water absorption
- Not explicitly stated, but as a dense metamorphic rock, it likely has low water absorption. Porosity and permeability studies exist for Virginia aggregates.
- ASTM spec
- Greenstone is a basic metamorphic rock. Specific ASTM data for Virginia Greenstone is not readily available in snippets, but general ASTM standards for natural stone (C97 for absorption, C99 for modulus of rupture) would apply.
- Installed price
- $28 - $65 (General flagstone patios in Virginia range from $28-$40/sq ft, and concrete patios from $50-$65/sq ft. Specific pricing for Virginia Greenstone is not readily available due to the quarry closure, but it's considered valuable for repairs).
- Slab price
- Not readily available. (Some sources mention material costs for granite at $40-$60/sq ft, but this is a general estimate).
- Finishes
- Natural, possibly sawn or split face for architectural applications.
- Applications
- Historically used in building construction, landscaping, and for repairs in notable installations.
- USA distributors
- Green Stone Company (for Virginia Ledgestone Panel, which might be related or a competing product).
- Maintenance
- Durable. For exterior applications, proper mortar and sealing are important due to freeze-thaw cycles. Valuable for repairs due to its historical significance and limited availability.