igneous
Basalt
Mafic Extrusive Igneous Rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, dark gray to black color, aphanitic to porphyritic texture, and dull to submetallic luster.
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 the Mohs scale, dark gray to black color, aphanitic to porphyritic texture, and dull to submetallic luster.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the rapid cooling of low-viscosity, magnesium- and iron-rich lava flows on the Earth's surface.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction as crushed stone for road bases, railroad ballast, and aggregate in concrete.
Geological facts
Basalt is the most common rock type in the Earth's oceanic crust and also forms extensive volcanic provinces on terrestrial planets like Mars and Venus.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its dark, fine-grained matrix and heavy weight; commonly found globally in volcanic regions and ocean basins.
