Basalt is a common extrusive igneous (volcanic) rock formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava exposed at or very near the surface of a planet or moon. source
Basalt is a common extrusive igneous (volcanic) rock formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava exposed at or very near the surface of a planet or moon.
Flood basalt describes the formation in a series of lava basalt flows. source
Flood basalt describes the formation in a series of lava basalt flows.
Basalt is an aphanitic (fine-grained) igneous rock with generally 45-55% silica (SiO2) and less than 10% feldspathoid by volume. source
Basalt is an aphanitic (fine-grained) igneous rock with generally 45-55% silica (SiO2) and less than 10% feldspathoid by volume.
Basalt at least 65% of the rock is feldspar in the form of plagioclase. source
Basalt at least 65% of the rock is feldspar in the form of plagioclase.
Basalt is the most common volcanic rock type on Earth. source
Basalt is the most common volcanic rock type on Earth.
Basalt commonly features a very fine-grained or glassy matrix interspersed with visible mineral grains. source
Basalt commonly features a very fine-grained or glassy matrix interspersed with visible mineral grains.
The average of Basalt density is 3.0 gm/cm3. source
The average of Basalt density is 3.0 gm/cm3.
Basalt is usually grey to black in colour. source
Basalt is usually grey to black in colour.
The word "basalt" is ultimately derived from Late Latin basaltes, a misspelling of Latin basanites "very hard stone". source
The word "basalt" is ultimately derived from Late Latin basaltes, a misspelling of Latin basanites "very hard stone".
Tholeiitic basalt is relatively rich in silica and poor in sodium. source
Tholeiitic basalt is relatively rich in silica and poor in sodium.
On Earth, most basalt magmas have formed by decompression melting of the mantle. source
On Earth, most basalt magmas have formed by decompression melting of the mantle.
The mineralogy of basalt is characterized by a preponderance of calcic plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene. source
The mineralogy of basalt is characterized by a preponderance of calcic plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene.
Relative to most common igneous rocks, basalt compositions are rich in MgO and CaO and low in SiO2 and the alkali oxides, i.e. source
Relative to most common igneous rocks, basalt compositions are rich in MgO and CaO and low in SiO2 and the alkali oxides, i.e.
Basalt generally has a composition of 45–55 wt% SiO2, 2–6 wt% total alkalis, 0.5–2.0 wt% TiO2, 5–14 wt% FeO and 14 wt% or more Al2O3. source
Basalt generally has a composition of 45–55 wt% SiO2, 2–6 wt% total alkalis, 0.5–2.0 wt% TiO2, 5–14 wt% FeO and 14 wt% or more Al2O3.
Basalt in the tops of subaerial lava flows and cinder cones will often be highly vesiculated, imparting a lightweight "frothy" texture to the rock. source
Basalt in the tops of subaerial lava flows and cinder cones will often be highly vesiculated, imparting a lightweight "frothy" texture to the rock.
