igneous

Vesicular Basalt (Iron-rich)

Scoriaceous Basalt / Oxidized Vesicular Basalt

Hardness: 5-6 Mohs. Color: Reddish-brown to orange (due to iron oxidation). Luster: Dull, earthy. Structure: Vesicular (contains many small cavities called vesicles). Density: Medium (though lightened by voids).

Hardness: 5-6 Mohs
Color: Reddish-brown to orange (due to iron oxidation)
Luster: Dull, earthy

Identified April 8, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the rapid cooling of gas-rich basaltic lava at the Earth's surface (extrusive). Gases escaping during solidification leave behind the characteristic 'bubbly' texture. The red hue occurs when iron minerals in the lava react with oxygen.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in landscaping (lava rock), construction (lightweight aggregate), BBQ pits for heat retention, and road base material.

Geological facts

Vesicular basalt is essentially the solid version of the bubbles in a soda. If the gas content is high enough, it creates 'Scoria,' which is even lighter and more riddled with holes.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its 'Swiss cheese' texture and rough, abrasive surface. Found commonly in volcanic regions such as Hawaii, Iceland, and the western United States. It is often used to study paleomagnetism and the cooling history of volcanic flows.

Other igneous specimens

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Blue Apatite

Fluorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F)

mineral

Dark Igneous Rock (Likely Basalt or Diabase)

Basalt (extrusive igneous rock) or Diabase (intrusive igneous rock - also known as Dolerite), largely composed of plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene (augite), and sometimes olivine and amphibole. Exact mineralogy would require thin section analysis.

Igneous

Magnetite

Iron(II,III) oxide (Fe3O4)

mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite - Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2

mineral

Blue Apatite

Apatite (Group), Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)

mineral

Magnetite

Magnetite (Fe3O4)

mineral