What is crushed stone?

Crushed stone is just what it sounds like: Stone that has been crushed, according to the simplest definition.

The majority of crushed stone is created in quarries where larger boulders are broken up and crushed by equipment. Crushed stone is created by man-made machinery and is not naturally shaped or formed, such as in a riverbed or canyon.

Is crushed stone the same as crushed aggregate?

Most crushed stone is produced in quarries, where larger stones are divided and crushed by machinery. The term "crushed stone," also known as "aggregate," refers to material with medium and coarse grain sizes that is manufactured using tools and processes developed by humans as opposed to occuring naturally, such as in a riverbed or canyon.

A product made from crushed stone that is mined is crushed stone aggregate, also referred to as rock aggregate. When the supply of naturally occurring sand and gravel aggregate is insufficient to fulfill demand, larger stones are crushed in an impact crusher to produce rock aggregate. Crushed aggregate typically costs significantly more than comparable natural materials since producing it requires more money due to the higher cost of mining and processing the stones.

What is gravel?

Because it is a form of rock, gravel is comparable to crushed stone, although gravel is created organically.

According to geology, gravel is "a natural substance made up of materials moved by water and typically rounded as a result of the water transport."

The edges of the stone are one of the primary visual and tactile distinctions between crushed stone and gravel.

Crushed stone versus gravel

Crushed stone frequently has an edge that is jagged and angular because of the crushing process. Yet, because of natural weathering and wear from exposure to the impacts of flowing water, gravel often has a relatively smooth texture and surface.

Gravel, as opposed to crushed stone, is typically sold and used and sold in its unaltered state. Gravel becomes crushed stone when it is crushed, losing its distinctive smooth, rounded feel.

It is crucial to remember that some contractors call any stone that falls within a specified range in size "gravel," even if it is crushed stone.

For instance, crushed stone that ranges in size from a few millimeters to two inches is referred to as "gravel" depending on the region of the United States, even though it has been crushed and is no longer smooth.

We shall stick with the concept that gravel cannot be confused with crushed stone and must remain in its natural state in order to provide clarity and prevent misunderstanding.