Kivituhkaa

Kivituhka is a crushed stone aggregate used in construction and landscaping. It is produced by crushing natural rock materials such as granite, basalt, limestone, or other quarried stone to create a range of granular fractions. The term kivituhkaa refers to the material in its partitive form and covers both finer dust-like fractions and coarser grains, depending on the intended use and processing.

The quality and properties of kivituhka depend on the parent rock, processing method, and the absence of contaminants. Good-quality kivituhka has low organic content and minimal clay, dust, or fines that could affect compaction and drainage. It can be delivered as unsorted material or as specially graded fractions suitable for specific applications, and it may be washed to remove fines for decorative or drainage uses.

Common uses include base and subbase layers for roads, driveways, and pedestrian paths, where it provides stability and drainage. It is also used as bedding material for paving stones, as a drainage layer in foundations and green roofs, and as an aggregate in certain concrete mixes. In landscaping, washed and colored kivituhka is popular as a decorative ground cover and for creating smooth, even surfaces.

Environmental and handling considerations cover dust control and health safety, particularly when handling finer fractions that can generate silica dust. Wetting, appropriate equipment, and dust suppression measures are recommended. Kivituhka is widely available in Finland and Nordic regions through quarry operators and civil engineering suppliers, with pricing influenced by particle size, purity, and provenance.