igneous
Vesicular Basalt
Basalt with a vesicular texture
Color: Gray to dark charcoal; Hardness: 6 (Mohs scale); Luster: Dull, earthy; Texture: Vesicular (contains small pits or air bubbles); Crystalline: Aphanitic (fine-grained)
- Hardness
- 6 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Gray to dark charcoal
- Luster
- Dull, earthy
Identified More igneous →
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Physical properties
Color: Gray to dark charcoal; Hardness: 6 (Mohs scale); Luster: Dull, earthy; Texture: Vesicular (contains small pits or air bubbles); Crystalline: Aphanitic (fine-grained)
Formation & geological history
Formed through the rapid cooling of magnesium-rich and iron-rich lava at the surface. The holes (vesicles) are created by gas bubbles trapped in the lava as it solidifies.
Uses & applications
Used in construction as road base, concrete aggregate, and railroad ballast. Lightweight varieties are used in landscaping and as abrasive cleaners.
Geological facts
Basalt is the most common volcanic rock on Earth and also makes up most of the ocean floors. Similar rocks are also found on the Moon and Mars.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its dark color, heavy weight (relative to pumice), and small holes on the surface. Commonly found in volcanic fields, oceanic islands, and mid-ocean ridges.
