igneous
Basalt
Extrusive Igneous Rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6 on Mohs scale, dark grey to black color, aphanitic texture, dull luster, and high density.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6 on Mohs scale, dark grey to black color, aphanitic texture, dull luster, and high density.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the rapid cooling of low-viscosity lava rich in iron and magnesium exposed at or near the surface of a planet or moon.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction for crushed stone in foundations, road building, and aggregate, as well as in manufacturing stone wool insulation.
Geological facts
Basalt is the most common rock type on Earth's crust beneath the oceans and is also abundantly found on the Moon and Mars.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its fine-grained dark appearance and dense, heavy feel. Common globally in volcanic regions and ocean floors.
