Granite and basalt are two of the most commonly used hard rocks in the construction and mining industries. Both materials require specialized crushing equipment to achieve efficient processing. However, due to differences in hardness, composition, and structural properties, the selection of appropriate crushing equipment varies for each. This article explores the key differences in equipment selection for crushing granite and basalt.

1. Differences in Material Properties

• Granite
  • Composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, and mica.
  • Hardness ranges from 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale.
  • Highly resistant to wear but relatively brittle.
  • Produces high-quality aggregates with good shape.
• Basalt
  • Composed mainly of pyroxene, plagioclase, and olivine.
  • Harder than granite, reaching up to 7 on the Mohs scale.
  • High density and strong compressive strength.
  • More difficult to crush due to its toughness and abrasiveness.

2. Crushing Equipment Selection for Granite and Basalt

Primary Crushing

For both granite and basalt, jaw crushers are the most commonly used primary crushing equipment due to their ability to handle large, hard materials.

• Granite: A standard jaw crusher (such as a PE or C-series model) is effective for breaking down large granite blocks.
• Basalt: A heavy-duty jaw crusher with a reinforced frame and wear-resistant jaw plates is required due to basalt’s high hardness.

Secondary Crushing

• Granite:
  • Cone crushers are widely used for secondary crushing to produce well-shaped aggregates.
  • Impact crushers can also be used when a higher degree of cubicity is needed, though they may wear out faster when dealing with granite.
• Basalt:
  • Cone crushers (preferably hydraulic models) are the best choice due to their ability to withstand the high compressive strength of basalt.
  • Impact crushers are not recommended due to the high wear rate when crushing basalt.

Tertiary Crushing and Sand Making

For finer crushing and sand production, vertical shaft impact (VSI) crushers or high-speed cone crushers are used.

• Granite: VSI crushers are effective for producing high-quality artificial sand.
• Basalt: High-speed cone crushers or VSI crushers with wear-resistant parts are necessary due to the abrasiveness of basalt.

3. Wear and Maintenance Considerations

• Granite: Generates less wear on crushing equipment but can still cause damage over time due to its hardness.
• Basalt: Causes higher wear and requires more frequent replacement of crusher liners and wear parts. Using high-manganese steel or carbide-reinforced components can help extend equipment life.

4. Cost and Efficiency Considerations

• Granite: Equipment costs are relatively moderate, and operating costs remain stable due to lower wear rates.
• Basalt: Higher initial equipment investment and maintenance costs due to rapid wear of crusher components. However, basalt aggregates are highly durable, making them valuable for high-strength concrete and road construction.

Conclusion

Both granite and basalt require specialized crushing equipment, but their differences in hardness, density, and abrasiveness lead to variations in crusher selection. Jaw crushers are ideal for primary crushing in both cases, while cone crushers are the preferred choice for secondary crushing, especially for basalt. For final shaping and sand production, VSI crushers can be used, but basalt’s high abrasiveness demands stronger wear-resistant materials. When selecting crushing equipment, understanding the material properties and considering maintenance and operational costs is essential for optimizing efficiency and reducing downtime.