Basalt

/bəˈsɔlt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that is relatively low in silica and constitutes the main type of oceanic crust.

The island's rugged landscape is primarily formed from basalt, resulting from ancient volcanic activity.

A type of igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava exposed at or very near the surface of a planet or moon.

The moon's maria are largely composed of basalt, giving them their darker appearance compared to the highlands.

A solidified lava that exists in various textures and forms, commonly found in regions with volcanic history.

Geologists often study basalt samples to understand the geological history of volcanic regions.

From Latin 'basalts', a type of stone.

basalt column

A formation of basalt that is hexagonally shaped typically found in places where lava cools.

basalt plateau

A flat expanse of land formed by solidified basalt lava.

lava

Liquid magma that erupts from a volcano.

igneous

Relating to rocks formed from cooled magma or lava.

Basalt is sometimes used to refer to something that is extremely solid or tough.

This guy's as solid as basalt when it comes to handling pressure.