Approximately 90% of aggregates in the UK are used by the construction industry. Construction aggregates include crushed rock, gravel and sand, as well as recycled and secondary aggregates.

Crushed rock, such as granite, limestone and basalt, is supplied in a range of sizes and polished stone values (PSVs), to be used in filtration, pipe bedding, drainage, rail track ballast and road construction and surfacing applications.

Sand and gravel is also used for a wide variety of applications, including ready-mix concrete, precast concrete products and asphalt for roads.

In addition to quarried aggregates, specialty lightweight aggregates such as perlite, vermiculite, pumice and expanded clay, are also available. With good insulating properties, these lightweight aggregates reduce heat loss and are commonly used for chimney linings.

Secondary and recycled aggregates help to reduce the demand for primary aggregates, making the industry more sustainable. Industrial by-products such as slag, power station ash (PFA), slate and china clay waste, can also be used in the construction industry.

For decorative applications, information on dry dashing aggregates and landscaping aggregates can be found in other categories of the website.