igneous
Basalt Pebble
Extrusive Igneous Rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, dark grey to black color, aphanitic texture, and dull luster.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, dark grey to black color, aphanitic texture, and dull luster.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the rapid cooling of low-viscosity lava rich in iron and magnesium exposed at or very near the Earth's surface.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction as crushed stone for aggregate, railroad ballast, and dimension stone.
Geological facts
Basalt is the most common rock type in the Earth's oceanic crust and also makes up major volcanic features on the Moon and Mars.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified in the field by its dark color, fine-grained texture, and heavy feel; commonly found in riverbeds and beaches as smooth pebbles.
