Basalt is a common volcanic rock that forms from the rapid solidification of basaltic lava. It is a type of igneous rock that is composed primarily of plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene. Basalt is dark in color, typically black or dark brown, and has a fine-grained texture due to its rapid cooling.
Basalt is one of the most abundant rock types on the Earth's surface and forms the oceanic crust of the Earth. It also forms the main component of many volcanic islands and continents, such as the Hawaiian Islands, the Galapagos Islands, and Iceland.
Basalt has a number of distinctive properties, including high density, low porosity, and high strength, which make it a popular choice for construction and road-building materials. Additionally, basalt is an important rock type for geologists, as it provides information about the Earth's mantle and crust.
In summary, basalt is a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that is formed from the rapid solidification of basaltic lava. It is abundant on the Earth's surface and has a number of unique physical and geological properties that make it important for geologists and for various practical applications.