Small rounded stone, likely basalt or weathered mafic rock

Dark gray, fine-grained, dull to slightly waxy luster, with no visible crystals or cleavage; basalt typically has Mohs hardness 5–6 and specific gravity about 2.8–3.1.

Basalt forms when iron- and magnesium-rich lava rapidly cools at or near Earth’s surface, commonly in volcanic fields, oceanic crust, and river or beach gravels. Its age may range from recent to billions of years.

Common basalt is used as aggregate, road material, riprap, and dimension stone; this tiny specimen has negligible commercial or jewelry value.

The specimen appears water-worn or naturally rounded, and its very small size limits confident mineral identification from the image alone.

Look for a dense dark-gray body, lack of layering, and possible tiny feldspar crystals; a streak test, magnet test, hardness test, and close inspection for vesicles would help distinguish basalt from slag or other dark rocks. Basalt is widespread worldwide, especially around volcanic regions.