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  1. Basalt - Wikipedia

    An aphanitic (fine-grained) igneous rock is classified as basalt when its QAPF fraction is composed of less than 10% feldspathoid and less than 20% quartz, and plagioclase makes up at least 65% of its …

  2. Basalt: Igneous Rock - Pictures, Definition, Uses & More

    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 …

  3. Basalt | Definition, Properties, & Facts | Britannica

    Dec 20, 2025 · 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 …

  4. Basalt – Formation, Properties, Characteristics & Earth’s Most Common ...

    Apr 10, 2018 · Basalt is the most abundant volcanic rock on Earth, covering more than 90% of the ocean floor and large continental regions shaped by ancient lava flows. It forms when mafic magma, …

  5. Basalt: Composition, Properties, Types, Uses – Geology In

    Basalt is defined as a fine-grained, dark-colored igneous rock composed mainly of plagioclase and pyroxene minerals, with or without olivine. It is formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava exposed …

  6. Basalt Rock | Composition, Textures and Geological Role

    Dec 14, 2012 · Basalt is a very common dark-colored volcanic rock composed of calcic plagioclase (usually labradorite), clinopyroxene (augite) and iron ore (titaniferous magnetite). Basalt may also …

  7. USGS: Volcano Hazards Program Glossary - Basalt

    Basalt is a hard, black volcanic rock with less than about 52 weight percent silica (SiO2). Because of basalt's low silica content, it has a low viscosity (resistance to flow). Therefore, basaltic lava can flow …

  8. Basalt - New World Encyclopedia

    Basalt is a common, gray to black volcanic rock. It is usually fine-grained due to rapid cooling of lava on the Earth's surface. It may be porphyritic containing larger crystals in a fine matrix, or vesicular, or …

  9. Basalt - Wikiwand

    Basalt is an aphanitic (fine-grained) extrusive igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of low-viscosity lava rich in magnesium and iron exposed at or very n...

  10. Geology - rocks and minerals

    Basalt is a mafic extrusive rock, is the most widespread of all igneous rocks, and comprises more than 90% of all volcanic rocks. Because of its relatively low silica content, basalt lava has a comparatively …