PARTNER Petrographicatlas Version060701

PETROGRAPHIC ATLAS
OF THE POTENTIALLY ALKALI-REACTIVE

ROCKS IN EUROPE
(Version 010706)

PARTNER
Copyright PARTNER-project-GRD1-CT-2001-40103 All rights reserved.

G. Lorenzi, J. Jensen, B. Wigum

In collaboration with:
S.Gudon, M.Haugen, E.Schaefer, T.Sibbick, U.Akesson, A. Buendia & S. Goralczyk

PARTNER-Petrographicatlas-version060701

PETROGRAPHIC ATLAS
OF THE POTENTIALLY ALKALI-REACTIVE ROCKS
IN EUROPE
(Version 010706)

I. Foreword. ....................................................................................................................................................................................3
II. Introduction ...............................................................................................................................................................................3
III. Method .....................................................................................................................................................................................4
1. Sedimentary rocks ......................................................................................................................................................................5
1.1 Siliceous rocks......................................................................................................................................................................6
1.1.1 Flint - Chert ...................................................................................................................................................................6
1.1.2 Sandstone ......................................................................................................................................................................9
1.1.3 Siltstone.......................................................................................................................................................................12
1.1.4 Greywacke...................................................................................................................................................................13
1.2 Carbonate rocks..................................................................................................................................................................15
1.2.1 Limestone....................................................................................................................................................................16
2. Metamorphic rocks...................................................................................................................................................................20
2.1 Gneiss.................................................................................................................................................................................21
2.2 Metaquartzite-metagreywacke ...........................................................................................................................................23
2.3 Phyllite ...............................................................................................................................................................................25
2.4 Mylonite .............................................................................................................................................................................26
2.5 Cataclasite ..........................................................................................................................................................................28
2.6 Hornfels.............................................................................................................................................................................29
3. Igneous rocks............................................................................................................................................................................30
3.1 Basalt and volcanic glass....................................................................................................................................................31
3.2 Rhyolite..............................................................................................................................................................................32
3.3 Granite................................................................................................................................................................................33
3.4 Granodiorite .......................................................................................................................................................................34
3.5 Porphyritic diorite ..............................................................................................................................................................35
4. Regional Experience.................................................................................................................................................................36
4.1 Sweden ...............................................................................................................................................................................36
4.2 Denmark.............................................................................................................................................................................37
4.3 Norway...............................................................................................................................................................................38
4.4 Belgium..............................................................................................................................................................................40
References ....................................................................................................................................................................................42
Page 2


I. Foreword.

A wide variety of concrete aggregate types in common use across Europe, particularly those with a siliceous
composition, can be vulnerable to attack by the alkaline pore fluid in concrete. This alkali silica reaction can cause,
in wet conditions, the deterioration of the concrete. Alkali-reactive aggregates have been investigated for many
years and as a result different test methods have been developed. Unfortunately, such tests are, in some cases, only
relevant for specific materials within a country.

The PARTNER project, supported by the fifth European Framework Program, has mapped the known types of
reactive aggregates throughout Europe based on laboratory and field experience.
During the project a state of the art report has been produced and several testing methods have been evaluated such
as: the RILEM AAR-1 petrographic method, RILEM AAR-2 accelerated mortar bar test, the RILEM AAR-3 and
AAR-4 concrete tests. These laboratory tests have been validated by field tests under different climates. Overall,
the project provides the basis for a unified European testing methodology to evaluate and classify the alkali
reactivity of aggregates in concrete.
This petrographic atlas, which covers the European alkali silica reactive concrete aggregates, has been produced as
part of the PARTNER project.

II. Introduction

The aim of this petrographic atlas of the potentially alkali-reactive rocks in Europe is to assist geologists who work
in the field of the concrete degradations and in particular in the field of the alkali-silica reactions.

It is not possible, in only one atlas, to describe every type of concrete alkali-reactive aggregate from Europe. In
particular, some aggregates like the sands and the gravels, often contain several different rock types. For these
reasons, this atlas has been based on the parent rocks rather than on the aggregates.

The rocks are firstly classified under their origin (sedimentary, metamorphic or igneous) using the international
nomenclatures; secondly, they have been grouped under families of similar species. For each rock family, a general
description is given in the header including the most particular characteristics of the different rock species from
different countries. The reactive components are emphasized within the descriptions and, when possible, within the
pictures which illustrate the type of aggregate. Despite the fact that this atlas is not exhaustive, it is nevertheless
representative of the majority of the European alkali-reactive rocks.

It is important to bear in mind several points:

- Firstly, if some rock types are reactive, it doesnt necessary mean that all the rocks of the same family are reactive
too: e.g. some sandstone or granite are reactive but not all the sandstones or granites!

- Secondly, the reactivity of an aggregate in a particular concrete will depend on the cement type used, on
the alkali content in the concrete and the presence of water combined with the exposure effects by
structural design. It will also depend on the content of the rock type in the aggregate.
- Some aggregates exhibits a pessimum effect, which is the phenomena that when a certain amount of
aggregate is reached in the concrete the expansion is at its maximum and larger amounts of aggregate leads
to less expansion. Because of the pessimum effect a greater proportion of the particular rock type may not
necessarily lead to greater reactivity.
Page 3


III. Method

Petrography, the systematic description of rocks (and concretes) in thin sections, is a basic investigative
tool for geologists worldwide. Thin sections are slices of rock/concrete ground down to a thickness of
about 30 microns. Usually, the size of the sample to be studied is 50 x 40 x 0,030 mm but larger thin-
sections can be prepared. The 30 microns thickness is standard and is necessary for the minerals to
become translucent and in order to study the birefringence of the minerals by which they can be
identified. The thin sections can be studied under a polarized microscope in varying modes of transmitted
light: plane polarized light (PPL), cross-polarized light (XPL) and fluorescent light (FL).

The fluorescent mode is obtained by first vacuum-impregnating the sample with an epoxy resin
containing a yellow fluorescent dye, and then inserting two filters in the light path of a halogen lamp: an
excitation band pass filter (with a maximum transmission of 400 nm) and a suppression long pass filter
(with a maximum transmission of 500-550 nm). This mode makes the petrographic technique especially
suitable for the study of porosities and microcracking. The result, in PPL view, is a sample embedded in a
impregnation resin coloured in yellow, and, in FL view, a sample showing a differential porosity: the
more porous the sample, the more intense the yellow-green colour (the non porous particles are nearly
black or opaque).

Page 4


1. Sedimentary rocks
1.1.Sedimentary rocks.
1.1.1. Flint chert.
1.1.2. Sandstone.
1.1.3. Siltstone.
1.1.4. Greywacke.
1.2. Carbonate rocks.
1.2.1. Limestone.

Page 5


1.1 Siliceous rocks

1.1.1 Flint - Chert

The term flint is generally used as a synonym of chert. They are rocks consisting of silica in the form of micro- or
cryptocrystalline quartz. Primary flint or chert is mainly composed of silica in the form of siliceous organisms such as
diatoms, radiolaria and sponges, and secondary flint or chert is calcite minerals in the limestones with silica.
Dense flint may contain varying amounts of carbonates which range from small to larger crystals, occuring either
individually or within specific areas of the rock. The fluorescence microscopy (FL) doesnt reveal any porosity.
Chalcedony is another form of flint consisting of feathered crystals of microquartz.
The porosity of the porous chalcedony and porous flints is revealed by using fluorescent microscopy.
Opaline flint consists of isotropic hydrated silica (opal) with varying amounts of associated carbonates.
When the carbonate is the major constituent of the rock, it makes the identification of the opaline flint difficult in such
rock types. However the fluorescent microscopy can help by revealing the higher porosity of the opaline flint material.
The opaline flint in these rocks is constantly black in XPL and bordeaux red in XPL with gypsum plate inserted.

1.1.1-1: Dense flint composed of
cryptocrystalline quartz in the
center of the photo. The grains
are embedded in a yellow
impregnation epoxy resin.
(PPLx20, picture is 5,8mm wide)

1.1.1-2:
(XPLx20, picture is 5,8mm
wide).

1.1.1-1 1.1.1-2

1.1.1-3:
(XPLGx20, picture is 5,8mm
wide).

1.1.1-4. FL reveals the lack of
porosity.
(FLx20, picture is 5,8mm wide).

1.1.1-3 1.1.1-4

1.1.1-5: Porous flint composed of
cryptocrystalline quartz.
(PPLx40, pictures are 2,9mm
wide)

1.1.1-6:
(XPLx40, pictures are 2,9mm
wide)

1.1.1-5 1.1.1-6
Page 6


Page 7

1.1.1-7:
(XPLGx40, pictures are 2,9mm
wide)
1.1.1-8:
FL reveals a high porosity.
(FLx40, pictures are 2,9mm wide)

1.1.1-7 1.1.1-8

1.1.1-9: Grain of opaline flint.
wide)

1.1.1-10:
wide)

1.1.1-9 1.1.1-10

1.1.1-11: XPLG with the
particular bordeaux colour.
wide)

1.1.1-12. FL reveals a high
porosity.
(FLx40, pictures are 2,9mm wide)

1.1.1-11 1.1.1-12

1.1.1-13: Flints containing
varying amounts of carbonates.
wide)

1.1.1-14:
wide)

1.1.1-13 1.1.1-14

1.1.1-15: Flints containing
varying amounts of carbonates.
(PPL x40, pictures are 2,9mm
wide)

1.1.1-16: Flint containing
carbonates as shown by the
creamy colours in this photo.
(XPL x40, pictures are 2,9mm
wide)

1.1.1-15 1.1.1-16

1.1.1-17: Opaline flint
(PPL x40, pictures are 2,9mm
wide)

(XPL x40, pictures are 2,9mm
wide)

1.1.1-17 1.1.1-18

wide)

(FL x40, pictures are 2,9mm
wide)

1.1.1-19 1.1.1-20

Page 8


1.1.2 Sandstone

Sandstones are terrigenous rocks derived from clastic sediments derived from the weathering of pre-existing rocks. These
rocks are composed of quartz, feldspar and rock fragments. A matrix makes up the cementing agent for the particles; this
latter can be fine-grained and composed of clay minerals or it may be a secondary cement, such as silica or carbonates.
The sandstones are classified according to the amount of these components, the amount of the matrix (up or less than 15
%) and the grain size.
The main reactive sandstones found in Europe are sandstones with an argillaceous matrix. The recrystallisation of
particular minerals (e.g. secondary biotite) and the lineation of some areas of the clayey matrix suggest some degree of
low grade metamorphism affecting all these rocks. Its widely accepted that the reactive components are mainly the very
fine-grained sedimentary quartz (micro-cryptocristalline grains) embedded within the clayey matrix.
Particular sandstones with an opaline matrix have also been found to be reactive.

1.1.2-1: Fine sandstone with
rounded grains cemented
partly with recrystallized
silica and partly with a
cryptocrystalline matrix.
(PPLx40, picture is 2,9mm
wide).

1.1.2-2: Detail showing the
cryptocrystalline matrix.
wide).

1.1.2-1 1.1.2-2

1.1.2-3: Same view of the
matrix with the potentially
reactive cryptocrystalline
quartz. (XPLGx100, picture
is 1,15mm wide).

1.1.2-3

1.1.2-4: Very fine sandstone
with spots of secondary
biotite resulting from a low
grade metamorphism; the
grains are cemented with a
very fine argillaceous matrix.
(PPLx40 picture is 2,9mm wide).

1.1.2-5: Same view. The
argillaceous matrix acts as a
support framework to the
potentially micro-
wide).

1.1.2-4 1.1.2-5
Page 9


1.1.2-6: Detail of 1.1.2.4
showing the fine matrix and
biotites.
wide).

1.1.2-7: Same view.
wide).

1.1.2-6 1.1.2-7

1.1.2-8: Medium grained
sandstone with rounded clastic
grains cemented with a crypto-
crystalline clayey matrix.
wide).

1.1.2-9: Same view as 1.1.2.8
wide).

1.1.2-8 1.1.2-9

1.1.2-10: Medium grained
sandstone showing a shistosity
affecting the rich-clay matrix
layers.
wide).

1.1.2-11: Same view as picture
1.1.2.10.
wide).

1.1.2-10 1.1.2-11

1.1.2-12: Sand grain of opaline
sandstone. The grain is
embedded in a yellow
wide).

1.1.2-13: Same view under
fluorescent light showing the
high porosity.

1.1.2-12 1.1.2-13
Page 10


1.1.2-14: Close up detail of
1.1.2.12 showing the different
components : siliceous needles
and other silica sponge debris
and glauconite in an opaline
matrix (PPLx40, picture is
2,9mm wide).

1.1.2-15: Same view.
wide).

1.1.2-14 1.1.2-15

1.1.2-16: Same view as 1.1.2.15
wide).

1.1.2-16

Page 11


1.1.3 Siltstone

The siltstones are terrigeneous rocks derived from fine-grained clastic sediments, in which the grain size ranges between
0,0039 and 0,0625mm. They are generally enriched in clay minerals. Like for the sandstone and greywackes, it is widely
accepted that the reactive components are mainly the very fine-grained quartz embedded within the clayey matrix.

1.1.3-1: Siltstone : fine grains of
quartz and altered feldspars
embedded in a argillaceous
matrix enriched with opaque
oxide minerals.
wide).

1.1.3-2: Same view.
wide).

1.1.3-1 1.1.3-2

1.1.3-3: Homogeneous siltstone
containing quartz, chlorite,
pyrite, muscovite, calcite and
clay minerals (sericite), all
cemented together by fine silica
and a little calcite.
wide).

1.1.3-4: Same view.
wide).

1.1.3-3 1.1.3-4

Page 12


1.1.4 Greywacke

Greywacke is a generic term relating to the mode of formation and is generally a complete jumble of particle types with
different sizes and shapes cemented by a clayey matrix and like for the sandstone and siltstones, it is widely accepted that
the reactive components are mainly the very fine-grained quartz embedded within the clayey matrix.

1.1.4-1: Fine-grained greywacke
showing potentially reactive fine
quartz and a lot of secondary
biotite grains embedded within a
clayey matrix.
wide).

1.1.4-2: Same view.
wide).

1.1.4-1 1.1.4-2

1.1.4-3: Poorly sorted
greywacke. (PPLx40, picture is
2,9mm wide).

1.1.4-4: Same view.
wide).

1.1.4-3 1.1.4-4

1.1.4-5: Fine-grained greywacke
partly cemented with calcite
wide).

1.1.4-6: Same view.
wide).

1.1.4-5 1.1.4-6

1.1.4-7: Grain of fine greywacke
showing shistosity.
wide).

1.1.4-8: Detail.
wide).

1.1.4-7 1.1.4-8
Page 13


1.1.4-9: Same view showing the
uniform orientation of the clay
minerals composing the matrix.
wide).

1.1.4-9

1.1.4-10: Poorly sorted
greywacke with coarse quartz
and altered feldspar grains
(sericite) and showing a
schistosity.
wide).

1.1.4-11: Same view pointing out
the sericite grains. (XPLx20,
picture is 5,8mm wide).

1.1.4-10 1.1.4-11
1.1.4-12: Close up view showing
the microcrystalline matrix and
the sericite.
wide).

1.1.4-12

1.1.4-13: Medium sorted
greywacke with very fine to
medium coarse grains embedded
within the clayey matrix.
wide).

1.1.4-14: Same view
emphasizing the secondary
biotite.
wide).

1.1.4-13 1.1.4-14

Page 14


1.2 Carbonate rocks
Page 15


1.2.1 Limestone

Limestones are sedimentary rocks consisting mainly of calcite with variable amounts of dolomite. They are primarly made up
of allochems (ooids, bioclasts, pelloids,) and terrigenous elements (quartz, clays, rock debris). They are classified by
comparing the proportions of carbonate mud (micrite), sparry calcite (sparite), and the allochems.
The alkali-reactive limestones can be divided into two groups:
- The silicified limestones: these rocks are usually packstones, wackestones or mudstones; they are mostly fine dark-grey
argillaceous limestones often including fossils debris, some detrital quartz grains and showing some silification. The reactive
silica is found under the form of diagenetic micro-cryptocristalline quartz or chalcedony and partially replaces the calcite
within the fossils; It can also be found as discrete cryptocrystalline masses within the matrix, or as an infilling to some voids.
Often, this limestone type shows dolomitization. The dark colour is usually due to the organic matter. White varieties of such
a type of rocks, with less organic matter, are usually found to be reactive too.
- Non-silicified limestones : this rock type is similar to the silicified limestone (fine dark-grey argillaceous limestone often
with fossils debris and dolomitization), but showing no silicifications. The reactive silica is found, after a specific type of
chemical attack, as very fine detrital quartz grains embedded within the argillaceous matrix. Of course, this type of very fine
detrital quartz dust can also be found within the silicified limestones.

1.2.1-1: Silicified wackestone
with many fossils debris such as
echinoids, brachiopods, with a
very thin layers of dark organic
matter and clays. (PPLx 20,

1.2.1-2. Same limestone: coarse
piece of shell completely
silicified.
(PPLx 20, picture is 5,8mm wide).

1.2.1-1 1.2.1-2

1.2.1-3 & 1.2.1-4:
Same views : the calcite of the
shell is replaced by the potentially
reactive microquartz which is
revealed by its low first-order
interference colours.
(XPL, XPLGx20, pictures are
5,8mm wide).

1.2.1-3 1.2.1-4

1.2.1-5: Grain of a silicified
micritic limestone : the grain is
embedded in a yellow
(PPLx20, picture is 5,8mm wide).

1.2.1-6: Detail showing
microfossils embedded in a
micritic matrix.

1.2.1-5 1.2.1-6
Page 16


1.2.1-7 & 1.2.1-8:
Same views showing the
potentially reactive microsilica
within the matrix (low 1st order
interference colours).
(XPL, XPLGx40, pictures are
2,9mm wide).

1.2.1-7 1.2.1-8

1.2.1-9: Grain of a silicified
sparitic limestone containinga
white area of silica.

silicification with some chalce-
dony.
(XPLx20, picture is 5,8mm wide).

1.2.1-9 1.2.1-10

1.2.1-11: Same view as 1.2.1.10
with gypsum plate inserted.
wide).

1.2.1-11

1.2.1-12: Silicified micritic
limestone with spherulites
embedded in the fine matrix.

silicifications of the spherulites.
wide).

1.2.1-12 1.2.1-13

1.2.1-14: Silicified packestone
with a lot of coarse fossils debris
now partly silicified.

silicifications.

Page 17


1.2.1-14 1.2.1-15

1.2.1-16: Micritic microfacies of
the same limestone with fine sized
silicifications.

silicifications impregnating the
matrix.

1.2.1-16 1.2.1-17

1.2.1-18: Same view as 1.2.1-17
showing the silicifications
impregnating the matrix.
wide).

1.2.1-18

1.2.1-19: Silicified wackestone
with lighter colured uniform areas
of silica.

1.2.1-20: Same view showing
chalcedony.
(XPLx20, picture are 5,8mm
wide).

1.2.1-19 1.2.1-20

1.2.1-21: Same view as 1.2.1.20
showing chalcedony.
(XPLGx20, picture are 5,8mm
wide).

1.2.1-21
Page 18


1.2.1-22: View under the SEM of
the polished surface of a silicified
limestone gently attacked with
hydrochloric acid: A fine net of
reactive diagenetic silica is clearly
visible. To be compared with
picture 1.2.1-26.
(Picture is 180 m wide).

1.2.1-22 1.2.1-23

1.2.1-23, 24 & 25:
Different microfacies of a highly
reactive limestone without
silicifications.
(PPLx20, x40, x20).

1.2.1-24 1.2.1-25
1.2.1-26 : View under the SEM of
the polished surface of a reactive
limestone non-silicified limestone
which has been gently attacked
with hydrochloric acid: there is no
diagenetic silica net, but only
small amounts of clay are visible.
To be compared with picture
1.2.1-22.
(Picture is 160 m wide).

1.2.1-26

Page 19


2. Metamorphic rocks

2.1. Gneiss.
2.2. Metaquartzite metagreywacke.
2.3. Phyllite.
2.4. Mylonite
2.5. Cataclasite
2.6. Hornfels

Page 20


2.1 Gneiss
The term gneiss covers a multitude of banded rocks formed during high-grade regional metamorphism of either
sedimentary or igneous rocks. These rocks contain a large number of different minerals in variable amounts, but often
they are composed of quartz, feldspars, micas and mafic minerals. Generally, gneiss are not reactive, but when micro- or
cryptocrystalline quartz are present, they might be potentially reactive. Often strained quartz is a sign of potential
reactivity, which might be because it is associated with complex metamorphic suturing and development of microquartz
crystals, which is potentially reactive.

2.1-1: General view of a grain of
gneiss embedded in a yellow
epoxy resin.
(PPL x40, picture is 2,9mm
wide).

2.1-2: Same view as 2.1-1.
(XPL x40, picture is 2,9mm
wide.

2.1-1 2.1-2

2.1-3: View of area of
microcrystalline quartz in a
gneiss.
wide).

2.1-4: General view of micro-
crystalline quartz and strained
quartz.
wide).

2.1-3 2.1-4

2.1-5: Detailed view of
microcrystalline quartz and
strained quartz.
(XPL x100 picture is 1,15mm
wide).

2.1-5

2.1-6: General view of
strained quartz in another grain
of gneiss.
wide).

strained quartz (XPL x100,

2.1-6 2.1-7

Page 21


2.1-8: Other area in the gneiss
wide).

2.1-9: Microquartz in layer of
mica (XPL x100, picture is
1,15mm wide).

2.1-8 2.1-9

Page 22


2.2 Metaquartzite-metagreywacke
Metaquartzite (or quartzite) is a hard metamorphic rock, which was originally a sandstone : under the metamorphism
conditions, the original grains have recrystallized along with the former cementing material to form an interlocking
mosaic of crystals, mainly quartz and feldspars. Minor amounts of former cementing materials, iron oxide, carbonate and
clay, are often recrystalized and have migrated under the pressure to form streaks and lenses within the quartzite. All
original textures and structures have usually been erased by the metamorphism. Often, quartzite shows stress features,
such as foliation, strained quartz,etc. Generally, quartzite is not reactive but when micro- or cryptocrystalline quartz are
present they might be reactive.
Metagreywacke has also been found to be reactive. A metagreywacke is a metamorphic rock, which was originally a
greywacke.
The terms orthoquartzite/quartzite are also used to refer to quartz-arenite (sandstone with more than 95% of quartz)
cemented primarily with secondary silica giving a well-imbricated grains structure.

2.2-1: General view of a fine
quartzite.
wide).

2.2-2: Same view as 2.5.1.
wide).

2.2-1 2.2-2

2.2-3: Detailed view showing the
strained quartz embedded in a
matrix of potentially reactive
microquartz and mica.
wide).

2.2-4: Same view as 2.5.3.
(XPLG x100, picture is 1,15mm
wide).

2.2-3 2.2-4

2.2-5: General view of a
metaquartzite grain showing
strained quartz intergrown with
microquartz.,
wide).

2.2-6: Detail of the previous
photo.
wide).

2.2-5 2.2-6
Page 23


2.2-7: General view of another
metaquartzite grain showing
strained and deformed quartz and
microquartz.
wide).

2.2-8: Detail view of the pre-
vious photo.
wide).

2.2-7 2.2-8

2.2-9: General view of a fine
quartzite.
wide).

2.2-10: Another view of the
same sample.
wide).

2.2-9 2.2-10

2.2-11: Detailed view showing
the elongated quartz and the
potentially reactive microquartz,
with some associated layers of
muscovite. (XPL x100, picture is
1,15mm wide).

2.2-12: Metagreywacke with
finely grained clastic quartz and
feldspar components within a
dark grey microcrystalline
siliceous matrix, considered as
potentially reactive. The
argillaceous brown-reddish
layers form a less pronounced
cleavage.
(XPLx200, picture is 0.60 mm
length).

2.2-11 2.2-12

Page 24


2.3 Phyllite
Phyllite is a metamorphic rock form intermediate between slate and schist. It consists of platy minerals that are larger than
those in slate, but still too small to be clearly discernable to the naked eye in terms of grain size. Similar in appearance to
slate, it is distinguished from slate by a glossy sheen compared to the dull appearance of slate. It usually exhibits cleavage,
but not with the regularity of slate. The rock is often wavy/folded with a great amount of mica. The rock sometimes has a
high content of quartz, and when the grain size is less than 60 m the rock is potentially reactive. Carbonate is sometimes
visible in the rock, too. The mica minerals are nearly parallel oriented, and give the rock a schistosity.
The reactive minerals are crypto-microcrystalline quartz.

2.3-1: Phyllite : the rock is
wavy/foliated with a large
proportion of micas and
chlorites. (PPLx40, picture is
1.2 mm wide).

2.3-2: Detailed view.
(PPLx100, picture is 1.2 mm
wide).

2.3-1 2.3-2
2.3-3: Biotite-quartz slate.
Finegrained quartz-rich rock
with biotite (XPL).

2.3-3
2.3-4: Quartz-phyllite : this
wavy/foliated rock contains a
large amount of fine and
micro-cryptocrystalline
quartz grains. (PPLx40,
picture is 3.2 mm wide).

2.3-4
2.3-5: Same view. (XPLx40,
picture is 3.2mm wide).

the potentially reactive
micro-cryptocrystalline
quartz. (XPLx100, picture is
1.2 mm wide).

2.3-5 2.3-6
Page 25


2.4 Mylonite
Mylonite is a foliated (and usually lineated) fine-grained dynamic metamorphic rock of local occurence, which shows
evidence for strong ductile deformation. The term is purely structural and gives no indication of the mineralogy of the
rock. Thus, a mylonite can be of any rock type and mylonite zones can be found in rocks of all ages and can be of almost
any scale.
Mylonites have two types of constituents, matrix and porphyroclasts. The matrix is composed of the more ductile platy
elements of the rock and of micro- cryptocrystalline minerals, such as quartz minerals. This part of the rock appears
almost fluid while the porphyroclasts are the more brittle elements of the rock. A true mylonite will be composed of 10-
50% porphyroclasts.
The different mylonite types are classified in the literature as followed: primary, secondary, protomylonite, ultramylonite,
blastomylonite, layered mylonite and hyalomylonite. The classification is based mainly on the degree of metamorphism
and secondarily on the matrix/porphyroclasts ratio.
The reactive minerals are crypto-microcrystalline quartz and stressed quartz grains of different sizes within the matrix.
.
mylonite : deformed rock with
stressed porphyroclasts of
feldspars and quartz.
wide).

porphyroclasts embedded in a
micro-cryptocrystalline matrix
including the potentially reactive
quartz.
wide).

2.4-1 2.4-2

2.4-3: Same view as 2.4-2.
wide).

2.4-4: Other view of the
porphyroclasts and thin layers of
mica within the matrix.
wide).

2.4-3 2.4-4
2.4-5, -6: Sericitic gneiss with
heterogeneous deformation
under retrograde metamorphic
conditions of green schist facies.
Center: strongly deformed quartz
with sutured grain boundaries
and undulatory extinction;
bottom right: microshear zone
with fine granoblastic quartz
grains; upper half: sericitic
lenses formed from instable
plagioclase; dark central grain:
potassic feldspar.
wide).

2.4-5 2.4-6

Page 26


2.4-7: Another mylonite grain
embedded in a yellow epoxy
resin : general view showing the
porphyroclasts of different sizes.
wide).

2.4-8: Same view as 2.4-5. (PPL
x40, picture is 2,9mm wide).

2.4-7 2.4-8

2.4-9: Detailed view of the
porphyroclasts and the micro-
cryptocrystalline matrix
quartz grains.
wide).

2.4-9

2.4-10, 11, 12 :
General view of another type of
mylonite (mylonite/cataclasite) :
deformed porphyroclasts
embedded in a micro-
cryptocrystalline matrix. The
dark zones are enriched in
organic matter which has
migrated under the pressure.
(PPL, XPL, XPLG x20, pictures
are 5,8mm wide).

2.4-10 2.4-11

2.4-12

2.4-13, 14: Detailed view of the
porphyroclasts and the
recrystallised clayey matrix
cryptocrystalline quartz. (XPL,
XPLG x100, pictures are
1,15mm wide).

2.4-13 2.4-14
Page 27


2.5 Cataclasite
A cataclasite is a rock, which only has undergone mechanical breakage without showing the plastic deformation and
flowage as seen in the mylonites.
The rock is brittle deformed and contains randomly distributed and oriented clasts of assorted size from the original rock
embedded in a matrix of crypto- to microcrystalline minerals: this matrix contains varying amounts of quartz which lead
to the reactivity of the rock.

cataclasite: coarse sized rock
debris embedded in a fine-
grained matrix.
wide).

2.5-2: Same view as 2.5.1.
wide).

2.5-1 2.5-2

2.5-3: Detailed view of rocks
debris of different sizes
embedded within a micro-
cryptocrystalline matrix rich in
potentially reactive quartz.
wide).

2.5-4: Same view as 2.5.3.
wide).

2.5-3 2.5-4

Page 28


2.6 Hornfels
Hornfels is a fine-grained rock formed by contact metamorphism. It is characterised by a fine-grained matrix without
preferred orientation, in which phenocrysts or clasts can be embedded.
Reactive hornfels is found as a rock where the matrix is composed largely of sericite and including potentially reactive
micro-cryptocrystalline quartz grains and some feldspars.

2.6-1: Hornfels: general view
showing the elongated brow-
nish biotite minerals in a very
fine-grained groundmass.
wide).

2.6-2: Same view. (XPLx20,

2.6-1 2.6-2

2.6-3: Detailed view: the rock
mainly consists of quartz,
fedspar, biotite and pyroxene.
wide).

2.6-4: Another view of the
same hornfels. (PPLx20,

2.6-3 2.6-4

2.6-5: Same view: due to the
very fine grains, the minerals
are hard to be identified.
wide).

some potentially reactive
micro- and cryptocrystalline
quartz grains. The blue
minerals are chlorites.
wide).

2.6-5 2.6-6

Page 29


3. Igneous rocks

3.1. Basalt and volcanic glass.
3.2. Rhyolite.
3.3. Granite.
3.4. Granodiorite.
3.5. Porphyritic microdiorite.
Page 30


3.1 Basalt and volcanic glass
In the most generalised definition basalts are fine-grained mafic rocks with essential augite, plagioclase and opaque
minerals. Basalts are subdivided into tholeiitic basalts and alkali olivine basalts on the basis of the presence or absence of
accessory olivine, quartz and low-ca pyroxenes. Olivine tholeiite is almost a fresh silica-undersaturated basalt with no
quartz minerals. Tholeiite is oversaturated with silica, which is present as cristobalite and quartz in the groundmass.
Basaltic andesite contains nearly 10% of rhyolitic interstitial glass with trace amounts of cristobalite

3.1-1: Tholeiitic basalts
Plagioclase with brown glass
(palagonite) in between.
(PPL, picture is 1,37mm wide).

3.1-2:
(XPL, picture is 1,37mm wide).

3.1-1 3.1-2

3.1-3: Tholeiitic basalts Same as
above, but brown glass more
altered (palagonisation) and
coarser grains

3.1-4:

3.1-3 3.1-4

3.1-5: Volcanic glass
Palagonite with minor amounts
of feldspar phenocrysts.

3.1-6:

3.1-5 3.1-6

Page 31


3.2 Rhyolite
A rhyolite is an acid volcanic rock generally containing phenocrysts of quartz and alkali-rich feldspar in a fine-grained or
glassy groundmass. Many rhyolites are wholly glassy and some have a high proportion of glass.

3.2-1: Rhyolite: Fine-grained
groundmass containing reactive

3.2-2:

3.2-1 3.2-2

Page 32


3.3 Granite
Granite is the coarse-grained equivalent to rhyolite. Granitic rocks should in general not be regarded as alkali reactive,
however microstructural properties due to deformation such as strain lamellas and sub-grain development, which may
enhance the suitability for reaction.
A second type of ASR in granites can be derived from partial kaolisation of the k-feldspars, which creates micro-
crystalline quartz as a bi-product. This quartz can produce an extremely large volume of ASR-gel.

3.3-1: Granite with myrmekitic
texture.

3.3-2: Granite with strain
lamellas.

3.4-1 3.4-2

3.3-3: Granite with sub-grain
development.

3.4-3

Page 33


3.4 Granodiorite
Granodiorite is typically intermediate colored with a subequal mixture of light colored sodium plagioclase/quartz, and
dark colored amphibole and biotite. Orthoclase may be present in small amounts. Generally granodiorite is not reactive
but when micro- or cryptocrystalline quartz are present they might still be potentially reactive.

3.4-1: Granodiorite.

3.4-2:

3.3-1 3.3-2
Page 34


3.5 Porphyritic diorite
Porphyritic quartz-rich microdiorite (or dacitic/andesitic metaporphyry) : intrusive rock showing a porphyritic texture
with coarse crystals of less than 1 cm size embedded within a fine matrix. The main coarse crystals are plagioclases
phenocrysts often weathered into epidotes and/or secondary clay minerals. The chlorites minerals are secondary minerals
coming from amphiboles transformation. All these minerals are embedded in a fine-grained matrix composed of micro-
cryptocrystalline potentially reactive quartz and feldspars.

3.5-1: Porphyritic quartz-rich
microdiorite showing
phenocrysts of plagioclases
weathered into epidotes
embedded in a fine-grained
matrix including potentially
reactive micro-cryptocrystalline
quartz.
(PPLx20, picture is 6 mm wide).

microdiorite
(XPLx20, picture is 6 mm wide)

3.5-1 3.5-2

microdiorite. Additional view
showing green spots of second-
dary chlorite and plagioclase
altered to sericite, all embedded
in a microcrystalline matrix.
(PPLx20, picture is 6 mm wide)

microdiorite.
(XPLx20, picture is 6 mm wide)

3.5-3 3.5-4

Page 35


4. Regional Experience
4.1 Sweden
Examples of reactive rocks from the same Swedish 0-8 gravel.

4.1-1: Greywacke (XPL)

4.1-2: Mylonite (XPL)

4.1-1 4.1-2

4.1-3: Phyllite (XPL)

4.1-4: Siltstone (XPL)

4.1-3 4.1-4

4.1-5: Strained quartzite (XPL).

4.1-5

Page 36


4.2 Denmark
Examples of reactive Danish aggregates as they appear in concrete.

4.2-1: Opaline flint.
Opaline flint, which has reacted
and caused cracking of the
surrounding concrete.

(FL, picture is 5,3mm wide).

4.2-1 4.2-2
and caused internal cracking and
filling of adjacent pores with gel
from ASR.


4.2-3 4.2-4
and caused cracking of the
surroundingconcrete.


4.2-5 4.2-6
4.2-7: Flint.
Dense flint with porous area that
has reacted.

4.2-8: Flint.

4.2-7 4.2-8

Page 37


4.3 Norway
Examples of reactive Norwegian aggregates as they appear in concrete.

4.3-1: ASR within a mylonite
aggregate: cracks through the
aggregate containing ASR gel.
(PPLx20, picture is 4,7 mm
wide).

4.3-2: Same view showing the
micro- cryptocrystalline matrix
wide).

4.3-1 4.3-2
ASR gel filling cracks at the
edge of the aggregate. (PPLx100,
picture is 0,9 mm wide).

4.3-3
4.3-4: ASR within sandstone
aggregates: the cement paste and
the aggregate are cracked.
wide).

4.3-5: Detailed view: the cracks
through the aggregates and the
cement paste are filled with ASR
gel. (PPLx100, picture is 0,9 mm
wide).

4.3-4 4.3-5
4.3-6: Other detailed view
showing the potentially reactive
micro-cryptocrystalline quartz
cement surrounding the larger
clastic grains. (PPLx20, picture
is 5.5 mm wide).

4.3-6

Page 38


4.3-7: ASR within a greywacke
aggregate: airvoids with ASR
gel. (PPLx20, picture is 4,7 mm
wide).

4.3-8: Same view under cross-
polarized light. (XPLx20, picture
is 4,7 mm wide).

4.3-7 4.3-8
4.3-9: Detailed view: fine cracks,
through the upper part of the
greywacke aggregate, containing
ASR gel.
wide).

4.3-10: Same view, under cross-
polarized light, highlighting the
potentially reactive micro-
cryptocristalline matrix of the
greywacke.
(XPLx20, picture is 4,7 mm
wide).

4.3-9 4.3-10

4.3-11: ASR with a rhyolite
aggregate: cracks through the
aggregate containing ASR gel at
the edge of the aggregate.
wide).

4.3-12: Same view under cross-
polarized light: very fine-grained
matrix with some large crystals
of felspars (left side).
(XPLx20, picture is 4,7 mm
wide).

4.3-11 4.3-12

the ASR gel filling cracks at the
edge of the aggregate. (PPLx100,
picture is 0,9 mm wide).

4.3-13

Page 39


4.4 Belgium
Examples of reactive Belgian aggregates as they appear in concrete.

4.4-1: ASR in a concrete
containing a dense flint.
wide).

4.4-2: Same view, under
fluorescent light: the reactive
flint does not yet show any
porosity but is strongly cracked.
(x40, picture is 3.1 mm wide).

4.4-1 4.4-2
4.4-3: ASR in a concrete with a
Porphyritic quartz-rich
microdiorite.
wide).

4.4-4: Same view, XPL.

4.4-3 4-4-4
cracks passing through the
porphyry grain and filled with
ASR gel.
wide).

4.4-6: ASR in a concrete
containing grains of lower
Carboniferous silicified
limestone. (PPLx20, picture is
6.2 mm wide).

4.4-5 4.4-6
4.4-7: Detailed view of the ASR
gel.
wide).

4.4-8: ASR in a concrete with
two reactive aggregate particles:
a siltstone (on the right) and a
porphyry (on the left).
wide).

4.4-7 4.4-8

Page 40


4.4-9: Same view under XPL.

cracks filled with ASR gel and
passing from the reactive grain
into the surrounding cement
paste.
wide).

4.4-9 4.4-10
4.4-11: ASR developed in a
concrete with a sandstone
(lightly metamorphic).
wide).

4.4-12: Same view, XPLG.
(x100, picture is 1.2 mmwide).

4.4-11 4.4-12

Page 41


References
1. Adams, A.E., MacKenze, W.S. and Guilford, C., 1994. Atlas of sedimentary rocks under the
microscope. Longman, Harlow.
2. Bates, R. L. and Jackson, J.A., 1980. Glossary of Geology, American Geological Institute,
Virginia.
3. Hoinkes, G. and Hauzenberger, C. A., 2005. Metamorphic rocks. Classification, nomenclature and
formation, in Encyclopedia of Geology, Elsevier, Oxford.
4. MacKenzie, W.S., Donaldson, C.H. and Guilford, C., 1982. Atlas of the igneous rocks and their
textures. Longman, Harlow.
5. MacKenzie, W.S. and Guilford, C., 1986. Atlas of rock-forming minerals in thin section.
Longman, Harlow.
6. Yardley, B.W.D., MacKenzie, W.S. and Guilford, C., 1990. Atlas of the metamorphic rocks and
their textures. Longman, Harlow.
7. Lorenzi, G., Gudon-Dubied, S., Antenucci, D., 2001. The status of the reactive silica in the
limestones susceptible to the alkali-silica reaction: contribution of petrographic and SEM
techniques. Proceedings of the 8
th
Euroseminar on Microscopy applied to Building Materials,
Athen.

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