Method for producing an aggregate, and aggregate

A method for producing an aggregate, comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a starting product comprising at least 20% by mass of magnesium silicate hydrate and
• crushing, in particular grinding, to a fineness corresponding to a BET surface area of 0.1 m2/g or finer,
• b) homogenizing the starting product,
• c) at least partially dewatering the starting product from bound water by means of thermal treatment in a thermal treatment unit, wherein during thermal treatment the converted starting product is treated at a temperature between 180° C. and 1000° C.,
• wherein, after step c), magnesium silicate hydrate present in the dewatered starting product is at least partially dewatered and can thereby be converted into dewatered magnesium silicate hydrate,
• d) contacting the dewatered starting product with CO2, wherein CO2 reacts with the dewatered magnesium silicate hydrate and the CO2 is bound in the resulting magnesium carbonate hydrate and/or magnesium carbonate,
• e) pressing and compacting the dewatered starting product before or after step
• d) into solids to produce the aggregate.