What is Basalt?


Basalt 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. The difference between basalt and gabbro is that basalt is a fine-grained rock while gabbro is a coarse-grained rock.

Basalt Rock Isolated on White Background. Stock Photo - Image of granite,  isolated: 156610790
Basalt: A fine-grained igneous rock that is usually black in color. The specimen shown is about two inches (five centimeters) across.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *