igneous
Vesicular Basalt
Aphanitic Mafic Igneous Rock (mainly Plagioclase and Pyroxene)
MoH Hardness: 6-7; Color: Dark grey to black; Luster: Dull or sub-metallic; Structure: Fine-grained with vesicles; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.8-3.0
- Hardness
- 6-7
- Color
- Dark grey to black
- Luster
- Dull or sub-metallic
Identified More igneous →
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Physical properties
MoH Hardness: 6-7; Color: Dark grey to black; Luster: Dull or sub-metallic; Structure: Fine-grained with vesicles; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.8-3.0
Formation & geological history
Formed from the rapid cooling of magnesium-rich and iron-rich lava at or near the surface of a terrestrial planet or moon. The pitted texture is caused by gas bubbles being trapped as the lava solidified.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as aggregate in construction, road base, railroad ballast, and ground cover for landscaping. Also used in high-heat stone treatments.
Geological facts
Basalt is the most common rock type in the Earth's crust and makes up most of the ocean floor. It is also a major component of the lunar maria on the Moon.
Field identification & locations
Check for a heavy, dark, fine-grained surface with small pits (vesicles). It is often magnetic and found in volcanic fields or tectonic plate boundaries.
