igneous
Basalt
Extrusive Igneous Rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6 on Mohs scale; dark gray to black color; fine-grained aphanitic texture; specific gravity around 2.9.
Identified More igneous →
Explore Basalt in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 6 on Mohs scale; dark gray to black color; fine-grained aphanitic texture; specific gravity around 2.9.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the rapid cooling of low-viscosity basaltic lava exposed at or very near the Earth's surface.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction as crushed stone for road bases, concrete aggregate, and dimension stone.
Geological facts
Basalt is the most common rock type in the Earth's crustal portions underlying the ocean basins and forms massive geological features like the Columbia River Plateau.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its dark color, fine-grained texture lacking visible crystals, and heavy weight; commonly found globally in volcanic provinces.
