rock dust

noun

1. a crushed limestone sprayed on surfaces in mines to make coal dust incombustible in case of a gas explosion.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rock dust¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

To rehearse for the possibility of another attempted invasion by Russia, it's building different types of fortifications around the country using sandbags filled with rock dust and modular elements in concrete and wood, designed by the defence forces to be built and moved quickly.

From Reuters

Later, he used lasagna mulching to smother persistent ivy with layers of wet cardboard and a mulch of wood chips, sawdust and coffee grounds from a local cafe, as well as rock dust to re-mineralize the soil.

From Los Angeles Times

In a freshly excavated disposal tunnel, Mustonen explains over the roar of ventilator fans that the peculiar smell comes from rock dust mixed with a trace of explosives.

From Science Magazine

Later, they learn about attempts to capture carbon dioxide in rock dust, an approach called enhanced weathering.

From Salon

Into the excavated area, shovel porous drainage material such as sand or rock dust, tamping it well and smoothing it as you proceed.

From Washington Times