Correlation of microscopic mineralogical and textural properties versus physical and mechanical properties of gabbroic and diorite rocks in Natanz area

Microscopic and geomechanical properties of construction igneous rocks include the degree of alteration, the presence of microfractures, peak strength, porosity, the proportion of detrimental minerals, etc. As reported in the literature, porosity in igneous rocks has a significant negative on the peak strength of rock samples. In this research, samples of gabbro and diorite rocks from a construction stone quarry in west of Natanz were selected and subject to microscopic and geomechanical investigations. As per thin section investigations, the degree of alteration, the presence of microfractures, and the minerals detrimental to the strength of construction stones were studied. Therefore, the geomechanical experiments including determination of density, porosity, durability index, the Brazilian and triaxial tests were conducted. The obtained data were compared to standard values and consequently a qualitative correlation between strength and microscopic properties was detected, accentuating the importance of microscopic studies in the investigations upon construction stones. The correlation thereupon may be applied in the different stages of exploration, exploitation, and processing of the construction stones and in order to avoid prodigious costs and destruction in the environment and domestic resources.