igneous
Basalt with Vesicles
Vesicular Basalt
Hardness: 5-6 Mohs. Color: dark gray, black, or olive green. Luster: dull to earthy. Structure: fine-grained (aphanitic) with small pits or cavities. Specific gravity: 2.8-3.0.
- Hardness
- 5-6 Mohs
- Color
- dark gray, black, or olive green
- Luster
- dull to earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-6 Mohs. Color: dark gray, black, or olive green. Luster: dull to earthy. Structure: fine-grained (aphanitic) with small pits or cavities. Specific gravity: 2.8-3.0.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the rapid cooling of magnesium-rich and iron-rich lava at or very near the Earth's surface. The holes (vesicles) were formed by gas bubbles trapped in the lava as it solidified.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in construction as crushed stone for road base, railroad ballast, and concrete aggregate. Select decorative pieces are used in landscaping or as aquarium rocks.
Geological facts
Basalt is the most common rock type in the Earth's crust and makes up most of the ocean floor. It is also found on the Moon and Mars.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its dark color, heavy weight for its size, and the presence of small circular holes. Commonly found in volcanic fields, ocean islands, and along riverbeds in volcanic regions.
