igneous
Vesicular basalt (possible scoria)
Vesicular basalt; chiefly plagioclase, pyroxene, and possibly olivine
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectGray-brown, rough and porous with irregular gas cavities; likely Mohs 5–6, dull to slightly glassy, with no obvious cleavage. Exact mineral composition cannot be confirmed from the image.
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Physical properties
Gray-brown, rough and porous with irregular gas cavities; likely Mohs 5–6, dull to slightly glassy, with no obvious cleavage. Exact mineral composition cannot be confirmed from the image.
Formation & geological history
Formed when gas-rich basaltic lava cooled quickly, trapping bubbles as vesicles; commonly Quaternary or younger, though age cannot be determined visually.
Uses & applications
Used as lightweight aggregate, landscaping stone, and occasionally in decorative collections; this small specimen has little commercial value.
Geological facts
Vesicles are preserved gas bubbles, and their abundance makes volcanic rock lighter and more porous than dense basalt.
Field identification & locations
Look for a dark, fine-grained volcanic matrix with rounded or irregular holes; common in lava fields and volcanic regions worldwide. Similar-looking weathered or vesicular rocks may require testing for reliable identification.
