igneous
Basalt with Xenolith
Extrusive Igneous Rock containing Mantle Xenolith
Hardness varies between 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale depending on the constituent minerals, color ranges from dark gray to black with visible contrasting mineral inclusions, luster is dull to sub-vitreous, crystal structure is fine-grained aphanitic for the host rock with coarser crystalline inclusions.
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Physical properties
Hardness varies between 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale depending on the constituent minerals, color ranges from dark gray to black with visible contrasting mineral inclusions, luster is dull to sub-vitreous, crystal structure is fine-grained aphanitic for the host rock with coarser crystalline inclusions.
Formation & geological history
Formed from rapidly cooling mafic lava at or near the Earth's surface, trapping chunks of foreign rock (xenoliths) from the lower crust or upper mantle during its ascent.
Uses & applications
Primarily of scientific interest for studying the composition of the Earth's mantle, and as specimens for rock and mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Xenoliths literally mean 'foreign rock' and provide geologists with direct physical samples from depths otherwise completely inaccessible to direct drilling.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by a fine-grained dark volcanic base rock containing distinct, contrasting chunks of different mineral assemblages or rock types fused into or onto the surface.
