Basalt - Wikipedia
WEBBasalt (UK: / ˈ b æ s ɔː l t,-əl t /; [1] US: / b ə ˈ s ɔː l t, ˈ b eɪ s ɔː l t /) [2] is an aphanitic (fine-grained) extrusive igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of low-viscosity lava rich in magnesium and iron (mafic lava) exposed at or very near the surface of a rocky planet or moon. More than 90% of all volcanic rock on ...
Basalt | Definition, Properties, & Facts | Britannica
WEBAug 16, 2024 · Basalt, extrusive igneous (volcanic) rock that is low in silica content, dark in color, and comparatively rich in iron and magnesium. Basalts may be broadly classified on a chemical and petrographic basis into two main groups: the tholeiitic and the alkali basalts.
Basalt: Igneous Rock - Pictures, Definition, Uses & More
WEBBasalt is a dark-colored, fine-grained, igneous rock composed mainly of plagioclase and pyroxene minerals. It most commonly forms as an extrusive rock, such as a lava flow, but can also form in small intrusive bodies, such as an igneous dike or a thin sill. It has a composition similar to gabbro.
Basalt | Properties, Formation, Composition, Uses - Geology Science
WEBApr 23, 2023 · Basalt is a mafic volcanic rock that forms from the solidification of basaltic magma and exhibits a characteristic fine-grained texture. Its composition, texture, and classification provide insights into the processes involved in its formation and the geochemical characteristics of the mantle and crust.
What Is Basalt? - ThoughtCo
WEBFeb 2, 2019 · Basalt is the dark, heavy volcanic rock that makes up most of the world's oceanic crust. Some of it erupts on land, too, but to a first approximation, basalt is an oceanic rock. Compared to the familiar granite of the continents, basalt ("ba-SALT") is darker, denser and finer grained.
A Guide to Basalt: A Common, Fine-grained, Dark-Colored …
WEBAug 17, 2023 · Basalt is a common and widely used, fine-grained, dark-colored mafic volcanic rock. It has mainly calcic plagioclase feldspar and augite.
Basalt Rocks: Identification, Characteristics, Pictures, and More
WEBMar 17, 2024 · Basalt rocks have unique properties that set them apart from other rocks. Their mineral composition and formation processes give them distinct physical properties and geological significance, making them essential in …
Basalt: characteristics, formation, uses - ZME Science
WEBJan 4, 2024 · Basalt is a fine-grained, extrusive igneous rock predominantly formed from the rapid cooling of mafic lava, which is low in silica and rich in magnesium and iron. In geology, “extrusive”...
Basalt: Identification, Pictures & Info for Rockhounds
WEBBasalt is an extrusive igneous rock composed primarily of plagioclase feldspar and large amounts of mafic minerals like pyroxene. It has an aphanitic texture, meaning its interlocking crystals cannot be seen by the naked eye. It is usually dark gray, black, or dark greenish, and is often vesicular or porphyritic.
Basalt: Composition, Properties, Types, Uses – Geology In
WEBBasalt is a fine-grained, dark-colored volcanic rock formed by the rapid cooling of lava at or near the Earth's surface. Its texture and structure are determined by several factors, including the rate of cooling, the composition of the …
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