Compression and impact loading experiments have been performed at high velocities to investigate the comminution behaviour of high strength spherical composite particles. Concrete spheres of B35 (compressive strength 35 MPa) strength category have been chosen to represent the composite particles. Breakage mechanism in compression and impact is found to be similar. Crack initiated from the periphery of the contact deformation. Diameter of the contact area depends upon input energy (impact velocity in impacts and loading rate in compressions). Propagation of cracks and formation of meridian and secondary cracks depend upon the input energy. Two cones were observed in compression experiments. It was found that secondary cracks were formed only after fort-ning meridian cracks. Crack initiation and propagation mechanisms under low and high velocity compression loadings were found to be similar. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.