igneous
Basalt Pebble
Aphanitic mafic extrusive rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 6 on Mohs scale, dark gray to black color, fine-grained aphanitic texture, vitreous to dull luster.
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Physical properties
Hardness 6 on Mohs scale, dark gray to black color, fine-grained aphanitic texture, vitreous to dull luster.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the rapid cooling of magnesium- and iron-rich lava flows at the Earth's surface.
Uses & applications
Used in construction, aggregate for concrete, railroad ballast, and landscaping.
Geological facts
Basalt is the most common rock type in the Earth's oceanic crust and also forms much of the lunar maria.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its dark color, fine-grained matrix, and heavy density. Found worldwide in volcanic regions and riverbeds.
