igneous
Vesicular Basalt
Mafic Igneous Rock (primarily Plagioclase and Pyroxene)
Hardness: 5-6 Mohs. Color: dark gray to black. Luster: dull to earthy. Texture: vesicular (pitted with gas bubbles). Specific gravity: 2.8-3.0.
- Hardness
- 5-6 Mohs
- Color
- dark gray to black
- Luster
- dull to earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-6 Mohs. Color: dark gray to black. Luster: dull to earthy. Texture: vesicular (pitted with gas bubbles). Specific gravity: 2.8-3.0.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the rapid cooling of magnesium-rich and iron-rich lava exposed at or very near the Earth's surface. The pits are formed by gas bubbles trapped in the cooling lava.
Uses & applications
Used in construction for road base, concrete aggregate, and railroad ballast. Also used as decorative landscaping stone and in high-temperature industrial insulation.
Geological facts
Basalt is the most common rock type in the Earth's crust and makes up most of the ocean floor. It is also extremely common on the Moon and Mars.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its dark color, heavy weight (relative to size), and distinct vesicules (holes). Commonly found in volcanic fields or near oceanic ridges.
