igneous
Vesicular Basalt / Scoria
Basalt (vesicular variant)
Mohs hardness: 5-6. Color: Dark brown to charcoal gray. Luster: Earthy to dull. Texture: Vesicular (porous with expanded gas bubbles/cavities). Specific gravity: 2.8 - 3.0. Fine-grained volcanic texture.
- Hardness
- 5-6
- Color
- Dark brown to charcoal gray
- Luster
- Earthy to dull
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness: 5-6. Color: Dark brown to charcoal gray. Luster: Earthy to dull. Texture: Vesicular (porous with expanded gas bubbles/cavities). Specific gravity: 2.8 - 3.0. Fine-grained volcanic texture.
Formation & geological history
Formed during explosive or effusive volcanic eruptions when gas bubbles (vesicles) are trapped in rapidly cooling basaltic lava near the Earth's surface.
Uses & applications
Used in construction aggregate, landscaping, road base, heat retention in barbecue grills, and soil drainage enhancement.
Geological facts
The holes in vesicular basalt were created by expanding gases such as water vapor and carbon dioxide escaping from lava as it cooled rapidly.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its dark color, porous vesicular surface, and rough lightweight texture. Commonly found in volcanic regions, oceanic crust, and basaltic lava flows worldwide.
