igneous
Basalt with Olivine
Extrusive Mafic Igneous Rock
Hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, dark gray to black color with greenish olivine phenocrysts, submetallic to dull luster, aphanitic (fine-grained) crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.8-3.0.
Identified More igneous →
Explore Basalt with Olivine in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, dark gray to black color with greenish olivine phenocrysts, submetallic to dull luster, aphanitic (fine-grained) crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.8-3.0.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the rapid cooling of magnesium- and iron-rich lava exposed at or very near the Earth's surface, commonly associated with volcanic activity and oceanic crust formation.
Uses & applications
Used in construction as crushed stone, aggregate for concrete, and railway ballast, as well as in stonemasonry.
Geological facts
Basalt is the most common rock type in the Earth's crust underlying the ocean basins and is also found abundantly on the Moon, Mars, and Venus.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its dark, fine-grained matrix with occasional visible green olivine crystals; commonly found in volcanic regions worldwide.
