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Crushed Stone and Pebbles: Characteristics, Applications, and Market Comparison

2025-09-28

Crushed stone, produced by mechanically breaking and screening natural rock, pebbles, or ore, typically has particle sizes exceeding 4.75mm. These particles exhibit angular shapes and rough surfaces, enabling excellent bonding with cement. Although concrete mixes using crushed stone have slightly reduced workability, the hardened concrete achieves high strength.

Pebbles, a byproduct of sand mining, derive their name from their resemblance to goose eggs. They originate from ancient riverbeds where crustal uplift formed sandstone hills. Subjected to torrential floods and water transport, these stones endured constant compression and abrasion. Over tens of thousands of years, they weathered countless waves and currents, their edges smoothed by collisions with gravel. Eventually buried deep underground alongside silt and sand, they slumbered for millions of years.

Applications and Formation Process of Pebbles

Pebbles find extensive applications, shining not only in construction—such as public buildings, villas, and courtyard designs—but also in paving surfaces like park paths. These pathways are not only aesthetically pleasing but also offer certain health benefits. Furthermore, pebbles serve as vital elements in landscape art, used for filling rockeries and bonsai arrangements, as well as in high-end architectural projects. Simultaneously, pebbles play a crucial role in water purification, sewage treatment, and power generation projects. They even provide high-quality raw materials for industries like ceramics and precision casting.

The formation of pebbles spans vast stretches of time, shaped by natural forces. Earthquakes triggered by crustal movements and weathering gradually break down rugged mountain rocks. Subsequently, the impact of mountain torrents, the transport by flowing water, and friction among sand and stones gradually smooth these rocks into rounded shapes, ultimately evolving into the pebbles we see today. This formation process unfolds in two distinct phases: first, the weathering and disintegration of rock; second, the transportation and rounding within rivers. From rugged mountain rock to translucent pebbles, each step reveals nature's marvel and enchantment.

Comparing Pebbles and Crushed Stone

Pebbles typically have a grain size greater than 4.75mm. Crushed stone, however, refers to rock particles obtained through mechanical crushing and screening of natural rock, pebbles, or mine waste rock, also with a grain size exceeding 4.75mm. In the construction industry, natural pebbles measuring 8-10cm are widely used for building fill, paving, and decorative pebble walls. Crushed stone, however, consists of rock particles obtained through mechanical crushing and screening of natural rock, pebbles, or mine waste rock, with particle sizes typically exceeding 4.75mm.

Regarding quality requirements, crushed stone must meet specified particle size standards, and its particle gradation must be continuous to ensure effective performance in practical applications. Additionally, crushed stone surfaces must be clean, free of impurities like yellow skin, mud balls, large mud clumps, or oversized stones. The content of needle-shaped and flake-shaped particles is also a critical indicator. For pumped concrete, the content of needle-flake particles should not exceed 10%.

Key factors influencing pebble prices include particle size range, origin, and transportation costs. The particle size range determines the suitability of the pebbles, the origin affects their quality and price, while transportation costs are calculated based on actual local rates. These factors influence not only pebbles but also crushed stone prices. Particle size range, origin, and transportation costs are the key determinants of pebble and crushed stone pricing, and these influencing factors exhibit certain regional variations.

2025 Industry Layout for the Pebble Sector: Shandong Province is one of China's major pebble production regions.

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Crushed Stone and Pebbles: Characteristics, Applications, and Market Comparison

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