igneous
Basalt with Vesicular Texture
Aphanitic Mafic Igneous Rock (primarily Plagioclase and Pyroxene)
Hardness: 5-6 Mohs; Color: dark grey to black; Luster: dull to earthy; Structure: fine-grained (aphanitic) with small vesicles; Specific gravity: 2.8-3.0
- Hardness
- 5-6 Mohs
- Color
- dark grey to black
- Luster
- dull to earthy
Identified More igneous →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-6 Mohs; Color: dark grey to black; Luster: dull to earthy; Structure: fine-grained (aphanitic) with small vesicles; Specific gravity: 2.8-3.0
Formation & geological history
Formed from the rapid cooling of magnesium-rich and iron-rich lava exposed at or very near the surface of a terrestrial planet or moon. Basaltic volcanism can range from billions of years old to active today.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as crushed stone for road base, railroad ballast, and concrete aggregate. In finer forms, it is used for high-quality floor tiles and monuments.
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 in abundance on the Moon and Mars.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its dark color, heavy weight compared to other light rocks, and fine-grained texture. It often shows 'vesicles' (small holes) where gas bubbles were trapped during cooling.
