igneous
Basalt with Quartz Vein
Basalt (extrusive igneous rock with SiO2 vein inclusion)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Dark grey to black matrix with a milky white/translucent quartz vein. Luster: Dull to earthy matrix with vitreous quartz vein. Structure: Fine-grained aphanitic or porphyritic basaltic matrix cut by a crystalline quartz vein.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- Dull to earthy matrix with vitreous quartz vein
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Dark grey to black matrix with a milky white/translucent quartz vein. Luster: Dull to earthy matrix with vitreous quartz vein. Structure: Fine-grained aphanitic or porphyritic basaltic matrix cut by a crystalline quartz vein.
Formation & geological history
Basalt forms from the rapid cooling of magnesium-rich and iron-rich lava at or near the Earth's surface. Hydrothermal fluids later filled fractures within the basalt, depositing quartz crystals to form the white vein.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as crushed stone in construction, road base, asphalt concrete, and ballast. Unique specimens with distinct mineral veins are kept for rockhounding and educational collections.
Geological facts
Quartz veins in mafic rocks like basalt often form in areas of tectonic activity where hot, mineral-rich groundwater travels through deep rock fractures, depositing quartz over long periods.
Field identification & locations
Identified by the dark, fine-grained, heavy mafic rock body contrastingly cross-cut by a hard, scratch-resistant white mineral band. Commonly found in volcanic terrains, oceanic crust exposures, and ancient rift valleys worldwide.
