Cuttin' the Basalt Ball!

Basalt is a common extrusive igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava exposed at or very near the surface of a planet or moon. Here are some key characteristics and facts about basalt:

Composition: It is primarily composed of plagioclase and pyroxene minerals, with possible minor amounts of olivine and amphibole. It has a silica content typically between 45% and 52%.
Texture: Basalt generally has a fine-grained texture due to rapid cooling, which prevents large crystals from forming. However, it can also have larger crystals (phenocrysts) if some minerals crystallized before the lava reached the surface.
Color: It ranges in color from dark gray to black, often with shades of green or brown due to the presence of different minerals.
Formation: Basalt forms from the eruption of lava at volcanoes, often found at mid-ocean ridges, hotspots, and in flood basalt provinces. It's one of the most common rock types on Earth, covering much of the ocean floor.
Uses: Due to its durability and abundance, basalt is used in construction for road base, concrete aggregate, and as dimension stone. It's also used in the manufacture of rock wool, a type of insulation.
Geological Significance: Basalt is significant in understanding the Earth's crust, as it constitutes much of the oceanic crust. It's also found on other planetary bodies like the Moon, Mars, and some asteroids, providing insights into planetary geology.