Basalt

Basalt is a mafic (dark) igneous, extrusive volcanic rock. As such, basalt may be vesicular (containing small cavities) and brecciated (having angular fragments). It is typically hard, tough and dense.

Type

Rock

Description

Basalt is a mafic (dark) igneous, extrusive volcanic rock. As such, basalt may be vesicular (containing small cavities) and brecciated (having angular fragments). It is typically hard, tough and dense.

Relation to Mining

Decorative basalt is occasionally handpicked from mining operations, and generally quarried cut and polished into tiles, slabs or other decorative forms.

Uses

Basalt is used as a crushed stone, decorative stone, dimension stone, and in insulation.