igneous
Small vesicular volcanic pebble, likely scoria
Vesicular basalt (scoria); exact identification is uncertain from the image
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectGray-green, rounded, and pitted with small gas-bubble cavities; likely fine-grained and dull. Basaltic minerals commonly include plagioclase, pyroxene, and sometimes olivine; hardness is roughly 5–6 Mohs, with no obvious cleavage.
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Physical properties
Gray-green, rounded, and pitted with small gas-bubble cavities; likely fine-grained and dull. Basaltic minerals commonly include plagioclase, pyroxene, and sometimes olivine; hardness is roughly 5–6 Mohs, with no obvious cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms when gas-rich basaltic lava cools quickly, trapping bubbles. Such volcanic rocks occur in settings from recent eruptions to ancient volcanic terrains; age cannot be determined visually.
Uses & applications
Scoria is used as lightweight aggregate, drainage material, and landscaping stone; this small pebble is mainly suitable for collecting.
Geological facts
Its holes are vesicles left by escaping volcanic gases. A denser, less vesicular specimen may be described as vesicular basalt rather than scoria.
Field identification & locations
Look for a volcanic texture with rounded or irregular holes and a relatively fine matrix; common near basaltic volcanoes and lava flows worldwide. The pictured pebble is too small and indistinct for a confident species-level identification.
