igneous
Basalt
Mafic extrusive igneous rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6 on the Mohs scale. Typically dark gray to black in color with an aphanitic, fine-grained texture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale. Typically dark gray to black in color with an aphanitic, fine-grained texture.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the rapid cooling of low-viscosity basaltic lava exposed at or very near the surface of a planet or moon.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction as crushed stone for road bases, concrete aggregate, and in the production of rock wool insulation.
Geological facts
Basalt is the most common rock type in the Earth's crustal portions underlying the ocean basins and forms massive geological formations like the Giant's Causeway.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its dark, dense appearance and fine-grained matrix, often found in volcanic regions worldwide.
