agglomerates

An agglomerate is a mass formed by the accumulation or clumping together of discrete particles or entities into a single body. The term, from Latin agglomerare meaning “to pile up,” is used across disciplines to describe both naturally occurring and manufactured clusters, ranging from geological deposits to industrial granules.

In geology and volcanology, agglomerates refer to pyroclastic rocks composed of fragmented material such as volcanic bombs, lapilli, and ash that have become cemented or compacted into a single mass. These deposits form near volcanic vents during explosive activity and can vary in texture from coarse to fine, depending on the size distribution of the fragments and the amount of matrix material.

In industrial and materials contexts, agglomerates describe granules produced by agglomeration processes like pelletizing, briquetting, or extrusion. They are common in fertilizers, catalysts, ore concentrates, and cement, among other applications. Agglomeration improves material handling, flow, compaction, and reaction characteristics. Pellets or nodules are often spherical or irregular and may incorporate binders to enhance cohesion. In mining and metallurgy, agglomerates are used to improve permeability in heap leaching or to prepare feed for furnaces and sintering.

In economic geography, agglomeration refers to the clustering of firms, workers, and services in a location, generating productivity advantages through proximity, shared infrastructure, and knowledge spillovers. Agglomeration effects can promote growth but may also lead to congestion and rising costs.

See also: agglomeration, pelletization, sintering.