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Question:

How are the ashes from a volcano used to make cement?

How are the ashes from a volcano used to make cement?

Answer:

Commercial cement is not made from volcanic ash. It is usuually made with limestone or marble (source of CaO) as the main ingredient. Other incredients include some clay and gypsum. After mixing the stuff is heated to form clinker then with some more mixing goes into bags, bins, or tanks for mixing with sand, gravel and water to make concrete. Volcanic ash will harden somewhat into a cement-like compound when it becomes wet. Many cars had their paint jobs ruined in 1980 by Mt. St. Helens ash mixed with a little precipitation.

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