igneous
Basalt with Quartz Vein
Extrusive Igneous Rock with Hydrothermal Vein
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness ranges from 6 to 7 for the quartz vein and 5 to 6 for the basalt matrix. Color is dark gray to black with a prominent white to clear crystalline vein.
Identified More igneous →
Explore Basalt with Quartz Vein in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness ranges from 6 to 7 for the quartz vein and 5 to 6 for the basalt matrix. Color is dark gray to black with a prominent white to clear crystalline vein.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the rapid cooling of mafic lava flows, later fractured and filled by hydrothermal silica-rich fluids.
Uses & applications
Used in construction, aggregate, road base, and as geological educational specimens.
Geological facts
Basalt is the most common rock type in the Earth's crustal portions underlying the ocean basins. The contrasting white vein indicates subsequent mineral-rich fluid movement through fractures.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the dense, dark, fine-grained matrix crossed by a contrasting lighter mineral vein. Common globally in volcanic regions and ancient lava plateaus.
