igneous
Basalt (Vesicular)
Vesicular Basalt
Hardness: 5-6 Mohs. Color: Grayish-brown to dark gray. Luster: Dull/Earthy. Structure: Fine-grained (aphanic) with visible pores (vesicles). Specific Gravity: 2.8-3.0.
- Hardness
- 5-6 Mohs
- Color
- Grayish-brown to dark gray
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-6 Mohs. Color: Grayish-brown to dark gray. Luster: Dull/Earthy. Structure: Fine-grained (aphanic) with visible pores (vesicles). Specific Gravity: 2.8-3.0.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the rapid cooling of magnesium-rich and iron-rich lava at or very near the Earth's surface. The holes (vesicles) were formed by gas bubbles trapped in the cooling lava.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as an aggregate in construction, road base, or as decorative garden stones. Larger deposits are used for industrial stonework.
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 found extensively on the Moon and Mars.
Field identification & locations
Look for small pockmarks or holes on a dark, heavy, fine-grained rock. Commonly found in volcanic regions or as river-tumbled stones in areas with volcanic history.
