igneous
Basalt with Garnet inclusions
Basalt containing Nesosilicate (Garnet Group, likely Almandine Fe3Al2Si3O12)
Hardness: 6.5-7.5 (garnets) vs 5-6 (basalt matrix); Color: Dark grey to reddish-brown; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Crystalline inclusions in an aphanitic host; Specific Gravity: 3.0-4.3
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Dark grey to reddish-brown
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More igneous →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7.5 (garnets) vs 5-6 (basalt matrix); Color: Dark grey to reddish-brown; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Crystalline inclusions in an aphanitic host; Specific Gravity: 3.0-4.3
Formation & geological history
Formed from rapid cooling of magnesium-rich and iron-rich lava. The garnet crystals typically form under high pressure and temperature conditions within the earth's crust or mantle before being transported to the surface by basaltic magma.
Uses & applications
Used primarily for geological study and mineral collecting. Basalt is common in construction (crushed stone), while garnets are used as abrasives or semi-precious gemstones.
Geological facts
Garnets are found in deep-seated volcanic rocks called 'xenocrysts' when they don't originate from the magma itself but are picked up along the way.
Field identification & locations
Identify by looking for glassy, reddish-brown dodecahedral crystals embedded in a dark, fine-grained volcanic matrix. Found in volcanic regions like the American Southwest, India, and Brazil.
