igneous
Vesicular Basalt with Oxidized Crust
Vesicular Basalt (Iron-rich extrusive volcanic rock)
Hardness: 5-6 Mohs; Color: Dark grey to reddish-brown (oxidized); Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Vesicular (pitted with gas bubbles); Specific Gravity: 2.8-3.0.
- Hardness
- 5-6 Mohs
- Color
- Dark grey to reddish-brown (oxidized)
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-6 Mohs; Color: Dark grey to reddish-brown (oxidized); Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Vesicular (pitted with gas bubbles); Specific Gravity: 2.8-3.0.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the rapid cooling of magnesium-rich and iron-rich lava at the earth's surface. The pits (vesicles) are caused by escaping gas during eruption. Recent to ancient Cenozoic volcanic activity.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in construction as aggregate, road base, and for heat-resistant industrial applications. Often mistaken for meteorites by amateur collectors.
Geological facts
While this specimen has a pitted surface and dark crust similar to a meteorite's fusion crust, it is actually a terrestrial volcanic rock. Real meteorites rarely have vesicles (holes) on the inside.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its weight (dense for its size) and the presence of small holes or pores. Testing for magnetism is common; basalt can be weakly magnetic. Found in volcanic regions like the Arabian Plate or Pacific Northwest.
