Most diabase that is mined is used in the construction industry. There are several types of use:
1) Crushed Stone: Diabase is one of many types of “trap rock” used as crushed stone in the construction industry. These are durable rocks that have many uses. For most of these uses, the aggregate must meet certain specifications of abrasion resistance, weathering resistance, and crush resistance. Example uses include:
 a subbase in highway construction a base layer in concrete slab construction an aggregate in concrete an aggregate in asphalt paving material drainage stone in and around foundations filter stone in sewage disposal drain fields unpaved road surfaces railroad ballast landscape rock erosion-control rock |
2) Dimension Stone: Diabase can be cut or sheared into blocks of specific or random sizes. These are some categories of diabase use:
a) Building Stone: block-shaped pieces used as the structural elements of foundations, walls, abutments, ashlars, etc.
b) Architectural Stone: special-shape pieces used as stair treads, window lintels, window sills, counter tops, flooring tiles, facing stone, columns, etc. When used as an architectural stone, diabase is often called by the trade term “black granite”. (In the dimension stone trade, the word “granite” is used for any feldspar-bearing rock with interlocking crystals that are large enough to be seen with the unaided eye.)
c) Paving Stone: pieces cut for use as patio stones, curbing, pavé, etc.
d) Monument Stone: dimensional stone cut for use as monuments, burial markers, gateways, directories, memorials, etc.
