Everything you wanted to know about Basalt .

 

Everything you wanted to know about Basalt .

By Frederick M Hueston, StoneForensics.com

 

The most prevalent rock on Earth and the bedrock of practically all oceans, the dark grey basaltic rock, is extraterrestrial. On the Moon, Venus, Mars, and even a few well-known asteroids, it has deposits. Many planets' crusts are virtually entirely comprised of basalt. Many of the black or gray stone used for countertops and other dimension stone that are sold as granite are actually Basalt. The following is some basic information on this interesting rock.

 

Basalt is known as an extremely hard stone in Latin. This natural stone can match or even surpass granite in terms of toughness. As there is no crust older than 200 million years under the oceans, basalt is a young rock. It is still forming in a lot of underwater locations. With basalt, the Romans constructed homes, temples, stadiums, and street paving. Today, you may have a countertop, fountain, or fireplace surround made of this high-quality stone.

Because it is as tough as granite, basalt makes an excellent building material. Additionally, it is an excellent thermal insulator, with thermal insulation parameters that can be many times higher than those of other stones and building materials. Basalt is non-flammable, non-toxic, and beneficial to the environment. Its surface resists slipping. Worktops, wall panels, fireplace surrounds, and countertops are all made from this superb quality construction and ornamental stone, which is also used to pave streets, terraces, and floors.

Basalt Formation

The waters of the Earth are covered in enormous layers of basalt. It originates where the Earth's crust splits and rapidly cools volcanic lava flows. These rocks are known as effusive. Since they are the narrowest locations where convective currents swirling in the earth's interior carry hot liquid rocks from the lower mantle, these locations are where the majority of basalt is created. When the space between the plates opens, lava rushes up and flows over the ocean floor, acting as the Earth's lifeblood. Until the cooling basalt forms the clot, a gaping wound bleeds. These miles-long, clot-filled lesions on the ocean floor contribute to the creation of the new sea floor.

Basalt's color is influenced by the local geology. Iron and magnesium are typically abundant in basalt. Basalt is black because it has a high concentration of magnesium oxide and calcium oxide and a very low concentration of the lighter silicate minerals. Basalt slabs may occasionally display a faint brown or orange color due to iron ore compounds. Although basalt is typically grey to black in color, its oxidized iron-rich minerals can turn it brown or reddish. On the Mohs scale, basalt has a hardness of 7.

What are the properties of Basalt?

Basalt is an excellent choice for many applications where dimension stone is used. Here are some of the properties:

Hardness: Basalt is a very hard and dense rock, making it resistant to scratches and damage from everyday use.

Heat resistance: Basalt can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for use in kitchens and bathrooms as countertops.

Low porosity: Basalt has a low porosity, which means it does not absorb liquids or stains easily, making it easy to clean and maintain.

Low maintenance: Basalt is a low-maintenance material and does not require sealing or polishing to keep it looking new.

Non-toxic: Basalt is a natural and non-toxic material, making it safe for use in food preparation areas.

Aesthetically pleasing: Basalt is available in a variety of colors and patterns, making it a visually appealing option for countertops.