igneous
Basalt with Vesicles
Vesicular Basalt
Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Dark grey to black or brownish-red; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Fine-grained (aphanitic) with small pits or cavities (vesicles); Density: High.
- Hardness
- 5-6 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Dark grey to black or brownish-red
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
Identified More igneous →
Explore Basalt with Vesicles in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Dark grey to black or brownish-red; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Fine-grained (aphanitic) with small pits or cavities (vesicles); Density: High.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the rapid cooling of magnesium-rich and iron-rich lava at the Earth's surface. The pits (vesicles) are created by gas bubbles that were trapped in the lava as it solidified.
Uses & applications
Used in construction as road base, concrete aggregate, and railroad ballast. Larger decorative pieces are used in landscaping and aquariums.
Geological facts
Basalt is the most common rock type in the Earth's crust and makes up most of the ocean floor. It also exists on the Moon and Mars.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its dark color, heavy weight for its size, and the presence of small holes or pits on the surface. Commonly found near volcanic sites or in glacial till.
