ARBasalt
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Basalt, a volcanic igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of lava, is known for its extreme hardness, with its name derived from Latin meaning "very hard stone". This black rock, rich in magnesium oxide and calcium and poor in light-colored silicate minerals, is found on Earth as well as on the moon and Mars. It is widely used in industry as construction materials and thermal insulators.
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Basalt primarily consists of magnesium oxide (MgO) and calcium oxide (CaO), with a very low percentage of silicon dioxide (SiO2), usually less than 50 percent. It also contains some iron oxide (FeO) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3), which give it a dark color, typically appearing in shades of black and green. Sometimes, red or orange colors may appear in basalt due to the presence of iron compounds oxidizing. Basalt forms as an igneous rock from the cooling and crystallization of magma, which usually consists of dark rocks such as peridotite and pyroxene-rich rocks. Some light-colored basalts form when basaltic magma contains a higher-than-usual amount of calcium or sodium-rich minerals.
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Basalt is primarily used in construction projects such as bricks, tiles, and building foundations, along with sculpting and constructing stone walls for thermal insulation and building railway tracks.
Uses of Basalt
Road Construction and Building
Uses in Architecture and Decoration
As an aggregate material in construction
Manufacturing Basalt Fibers
Soil Improvement
