igneous
Basalt with Quartz Vein
Extrusive Igneous Rock with SiO2 Vein
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 6-7 on Mohs scale for quartz, basalt matrix around 5-6. Dark black basalt with a contrasting white quartz/chalcedony vein. Vitreous to dull luster with a fine-grained aphanitic texture.
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 6-7 on Mohs scale for quartz, basalt matrix around 5-6. Dark black basalt with a contrasting white quartz/chalcedony vein. Vitreous to dull luster with a fine-grained aphanitic texture.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the rapid cooling of mafic lava at the Earth's surface, later fractured and hydrothermally injected with silica-rich fluids.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as crushed stone in construction, road base, and railroad ballast, with unique vein specimens collected by rockhounds.
Geological facts
Basalt is the most common rock type of oceanic crust on Earth and is also found abundantly on the Moon and Mars.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by the dark, dense volcanic matrix cut through by a bright contrasting mineral vein. Found in volcanic regions worldwide.
