What minerals does basalt consist of? Basalt stone: properties of this rock with a photo. Field and production

Basalt is a rock of volcanic origin. It is distinguished by wear resistance and unusual morphological characteristics. This combination of features makes the stone indispensable in the construction business, repair work and also as decorative elements.

Basalt is a stone composed of igneous rocks. Translated from Ethiopian, its name means "boiling" or "iron-containing". This name is given to the mineral because of the way it was formed. The largest deposits of stone are volcanoes located in all parts of the world.

The stone has high strength. This allows it to be used in various fields, including housing construction.

In addition to outstanding physical characteristics, it has a number of healing, magical properties. However, its use in construction and finishing works is more common.

Varieties

The most common mineral dark shades. This is due to the presence of volcanic lava in the composition. Black basalt is actively used as. It has high ductility and strength. This distinguishes basalt from granite, which is also used for these purposes.

Occasionally, gray basalt and stones with a greenish tint are found.

They are used for the production insulating materials, facing plates, filler for concrete.

The appearance depends on the composition of the mineral, the structure of the crystal lattice.

Distinguish:

• glandular;
• ferrobasalt;
• calcareous;
• alkaline calcareous stones.

In the middle of the 20th century, Yoder and Tilly introduced the classification of minerals according to the chemical composition of the ore.

Allocate:

• quartz-normative (silica predominates);
• nepheline-normative (silica content is low);
• hypersthene-normative (the content of quartz or nepheline is insufficient).

Mineral classifications are considered conditional, since chemical composition and origin do not have a significant impact on the quality and properties of basalt.

To watch a video review about the stone:

History and origin of the mineral

The mineral has been known to mankind since antiquity. It was called "trial" or "iron-containing" stone. Due to its strength, good insulating qualities, it was already actively used as a building and finishing material.

Based on the geological location of the stone, there are:

• minerals of mid-ocean ridges;
• basalts of active continental margins and island arcs;
• intraplate stones (continental or oceanic).

The chemical composition depends on the igneous rocks that have undergone melting. Also, the properties of the stone are determined by the conditions of formation (degree, melting mechanism).

The most popular basalt products

The stone is known as a raw material for the manufacture of insulating, finishing materials. Basalt insulation is distinguished by its heat resistance, vapor permeability, and physical stability. Mineral wool perfectly retains heat in the room. The presence of different-sized voids provides reliable thermal insulation.

The use of stone in the manufacture of chimneys for fireplaces or stoves is due to its high temperature resistance.

The material prevents heating of the surrounding tissues, ensuring high safety of the structure.

Therefore, stone is actively used to isolate chimneys in bathhouses and rooms where temperature regime plays an important role in security.

Mineral tiles are used for facade or interior finishing work. It fits into any design, gives the interior a cozy and finished look.

The popularity of the stone is due to environmental friendliness and safety. Affordable price and wear resistance make the material a favorite among analogues.

In addition, a video blog about the possible areas of application of the stone:

Mining and stone processing

Basalt is formed from volcanic ores poured onto the surface of the earth or the bottom of the ocean. They are formed from typical rocks, harzburgites, wehrlites and others. As a result of this cycle, traps are formed.

This term refers to a complex of erupted and subvolcanic mafic rocks. Trapp is characterized by the stair-like nature of ore accumulations. Such deposits are formed in a short period.

Basalt is the most common igneous rock not only on the surface of the earth, but also on other planets of the solar system.

A significant proportion of the ore is located in the mid-ocean ridges. It makes up the oceanic crust.

On the territory of the CIS countries, mineral deposits are located:

• in Russia (the largest deposits in Transbaikalia, Khabarovsk Territory, Kamchatka, Altai);
• in Ukraine;
• in Armenia;
• in Uzbekistan.

Basalt is also mined in Ethiopia, Brazil, and India.

Its extraction is carried out open way- ore fragments are mined from quarries. Further, the plates are subjected to special processing, which includes polishing, grinding. The dust generated in this case is used to obtain an anti-corrosion coating.

Landmark "Basalt columns in Iceland":

Properties and application

Basalt is an affordable, reliable raw material for building materials.

From the mineral are made:

• mineral fiber;
• stone casting;
• acid-resistant powder;
• paving slabs;
• facing plates;
• paving stones;
• crushed stone;
• concrete.

In addition to house-building production, the mineral is used to fill artificial reservoirs.

Basalt for the aquarium is different dark color. It has magnetic properties, has a beneficial effect on the flora of the reservoir.

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Physicochemical characteristics

The composition of basalt affects the structure of the mineral. Stones can have a glass fiber, cryptocrystalline aphyric or porphyritic structure. In the latter case, inclusions of greenish, white or graphite color are visible on the cut in the mineral. The proportion of these formations can reach a quarter of the mass of the mineral.

The technical characteristics of the stone include:

• high strength;
• hardness 6-7 on the Mohs scale;
• density,
• flexibility;
• plastic;
• heat resistance.

The melting of basalt is carried out at a temperature of 1000-1400 degrees Celsius. The mineral is resistant to the action of caustic alkalis or acids.

The mineral composition includes:

• plagioclases;
• clinopyroxene;
• magnetite;
• volcanic glass.

In addition, there are inclusions of white plagioclase, dark pyroxene.

In the chemical composition of the stone the largest share have oxides of silicon, aluminum, calcium. It also contains potassium and sodium alkalis.

Magical and healing properties

The volcanic mineral has been revered by people since ancient times. He was believed to have the strongest protective properties. Amulets or amulets were made from it. Basalt brings good luck to its owner, gives him courage, perseverance.

The mineral favorably affects the function nervous system. It has a calming, tonic effect. Basalt normalizes the work of the endocrine glands, helps to recover faster after severe shocks or illnesses.

Decorations and products from basalt

In addition to the construction industry, basalt is used to make jewelry. Lava jewels have an attractive appearance and protective properties.

From basalt do:

• bracelets;
• pendants;
• beads.

Due to their considerable weight, earrings are rarely made.

Jewelry made of volcanic stone is equally appropriate for both women and men. They will help create a spectacular image. Basalt accessories look best with ethnic or boho style outfits. Large brown beads in combination with colorful dresses and blouses will look the most relevant.

Basalt- This is the most common natural stone, a rock of volcanic origin, which can be found in the form of interstratal bodies or lava flows that arose after a volcanic eruption. Rich deposits are located in India, the USA and the Hawaiian Islands. The most famous basalt deposits- these are volcanoes located in Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands, as well as Vesuvius and Etna.

Description: basalt rock with excellent characteristics

The basalt stone It is black, smoky, dark gray or greenish black in color. The basis of its composition is formed by augite and feldspar.

The density of the stone is 2530-2970 kg / m 2;. Water absorption varies from 0.25 to 10.2%. Poisson's ratio is 0.20-0.25. Specific heat capacity 0.85 J/kg K at 0°C. The melting point is in the range of 1100-1250 ° C, in some instances this figure reaches 1450 ° C. The resistance is in the range of 60-400 MPa.

Chemical and mineral composition of basalt

In mineral composition of basalt includes:

• volcanic glass,
• plagioclase microliths,
• titanomagnetite,
• magnetite and clinopyroxene.

The structure of the mineral is porphyrated, glassy or cryptocrystalline aphyric. The rocks of the first variety are distinguished by the presence of a small amount of impurities of black pyroxene prisms, as well as isometric crystals of olivine, which has a yellow-marsh hue. Such inclusions can reach a quarter of the entire mass.

In addition, in composition of basalt hornblende and orthopyroxene may be present. The most common accessory mineral is apatite.

Basalt is mined primarily from lava flows from volcanoes. Pieces mined from the upper part can be bubbly, as during the cooling of the volcanic rock, vapors and gases come out of it. Other minerals can then be deposited in the resulting holes, the most common being prehnite, zeolite, calcium, and copper. This type of basalt is called almond stone.

Practical application of basalt

Building materials made from this stone are widely used in construction, as they are characterized by:

• abrasion resistance,
• to the influence of alkalis and acids,
• excellent performance of thermal insulation and sound absorption, strength, heat resistance and fire resistance,
• high dielectricity,
• durability,
• vapor permeability and
• Last but not least, environmental friendliness.

This mineral is used as a building stone, for the production mineral wool, filler for concrete and stone casting. Road and facing stones are also made from it, crushed stone and acid-resistant powder are obtained. Facing plates at the moment simultaneously with the decorative purpose perform the function of insulators. Thanks to its resistance to weathering, basalt is well suited for finishing the exterior of buildings, as well as for casting street sculptures.

Production of basalt and products based on it

More often basalt production is the mining industry. In special quarries and mines, stone is mined, on the basis of which various products are subsequently produced.

In the form of basalt fiber, this mineral is used for insulation of buildings and roofs, in three-layer sandwich panels, insulation of low-temperature equipment units during nitrogen extraction and creation of oxygen columns, for heat and sound insulation of pipelines, stoves, fireplaces and other braziers, power units and in general buildings and structures for any purpose.

Basalt in molten form is used to create stairs, shaped tiles and other building materials. Apparatuses of arbitrary shapes are cast from it, including battery stands, as well as insulators for networks with voltages of various sizes. Powder from such material is used for the production of pressed reinforced products.

Common types of basalt

Types of basalt differ from each other by various indicators, first of all, such as color and structure. The most famous brand name is a variety called "Basaltina". This is a material of Italian origin, which is mined near the capital of this country and has been used mainly for architectural purposes since the time of Ancient Rome.

Its strength is comparable to that of granite, and its decorative qualities are comparable to those of limestone. The stone after laying retains the saturation of the color palette for a long time. Therefore, its cost often exceeds the price of other trademarks more than twice.

Another variety - Asian. It is distinguished by a dark gray color and a reasonable price. It is widely used for design and architectural purposes.

Moorish green basalt has a rich dark green hue, with various inclusions present in it, which give the stone an original appearance while maintaining all physical and mechanical characteristics. Only the criteria for hardness and frost resistance are somewhat lower.

Twilight basalt is brought from China. It has a smoky gray or black color. It is recognized as the strongest and most wear-resistant and frost-resistant among all varieties of this mineral. It is well protected from adverse weather conditions.

What characteristics do granite and basalt have, how do they differ from each other? Firstly, these rocks have a different origin, and secondly, each of them has its own structure, which immediately catches the eye. Thirdly, both granite and basalt are strong, but basalt is still stronger. However, this does not mean that it is much easier. So, first things first.

Origin and appearance

In addition, fine and medium-grained minerals lend themselves perfectly. These allow granite to retain its shape and shine even under significant loads and friction for decades, which is why this durable material is so popular as a facing material.

Basalt rock is heavier than granite, but also more durable. Its density is 2520-2970 kg/m³, compressive strength is up to 400 MPa. Resistant to the actions of almost any chemical, whether acid or alkali, as well as temperature fluctuations up to 1200°C.

It is curious to note the fact that, with its characteristics, basalt has a high plasticity. This makes it possible to manufacture modern acoustic systems from it, capturing the finest vibrations of sound waves. Basalt is also often used for cladding, street monuments, mineral wool for building insulation, as well as for crushed stone, concrete and stone casting.

What is the difference between granite and basalt?

According to geologists, the main difference between them is their origin: almost the entire bottom of the world's oceans is covered with deposits of basalt, while the rocks of the continents are formed from granite. A knowledgeable person will also distinguish them by color. The basalt rock is dark in color, rather thin, but at the same time heavy. Granite - light color relatively light and strong as a rock.

When the lithospheric plates of the earth's crust move, the continents collide with the ocean floor, crushing it under them with a continental rock mass. However, under the influence high temperature(over 1450°C), basalt melts and sinks to the bottom, while granite, on the contrary, comes to the surface of the earth.

It is traditionally believed that the word "basalt" comes from the Greek "basis" ("base"). "Basal" in the modern sense means "lower". Therefore, basalt is the base rock; the stone upon which all things rest...

Another version is also interesting. In one of the African dialects, the word "basal" means "boiling". Basalt, according to the Ethiopians, is a mineral that first boiled in the mouth of a volcano, and only then poured onto the surface of the Earth.

The version, in general, is not too far from the truth. Basalt stone shows the properties of volcanic rock as often as the qualities of the base material of continental plates. It is widely distributed on the planet, but is found mostly in places of noticeable volcanic activity.

Basalt deposits

Beautiful young basalts are easily found in the vicinity of the Kamchatka and Kuril volcanoes. Black and black with green rocks of Vesuvius and Etna are extremely good. Dark gray, almost black basalt erupts in Hawaii.
There are many different basalts in India too: the Hindustan tectonic plate, crashing (and continuing to crash deeper and deeper) into the Eurasian plate, like a bulldozer knife, raked sedimentary deposits into a pile (Himalayan mountains) and twisted out the layers of the lower, basal rock.

Australian basalts are valued by scientists: on this continent (and one more cliff in Canada), basalt monoliths have been preserved that “saw” our planet as hot and not yet very round.

The decorative properties of basalt of West African origin are considered the most outstanding. Mauritanian varieties of stone are famous for their dark green background and original color blotches. And although such basalt is somewhat less frost-resistant than its smooth-colored counterparts, the demand for it as a building material has not decreased for several centuries.

The smoky shade of gray basalt from China is called "twilight". It is used both for finishing works and for paving roads, construction of various structures. Chinese and Siberian basalts are recognized as the most durable and resistant to destructive atmospheric influences.

Basalt - weathered?

Basalt and granite are the most durable of stones, but they are also powerless before prolonged weathering. The complex chemical composition of basalt is "responsive" to changes in the acidity of sediments.
Moisture absorption is stronger than more quantity gases were released during the eruption of volcanic basalt - leads to the destruction of the strongest rock by ice crystals.

Basalt is exposed to abrasive wear. The streams of water and the wind carrying the sand gradually wear down the outer layers of the rock. However, for the complete destruction of some basalts, it takes more time than our planet exists.

Bubbly basalt - hardened lava foam

To foam such a heavy rock (the density of basalt sometimes exceeds 3.3 grams per cubic centimeter), it is necessary to pre-saturate the molten stone with vapors and gases. Not all areas of pronounced volcanic activity can "boast" of a similar composition of erupted basalts.

However, where gas-saturated basalts hit the Earth's surface, mineralogists and gemologists find crystalline geodes and colored layers in cavities. In most cases, almond-stone basalt (this is the name of the rock similar to Swiss cheese) gives the seekers the most beautiful agates, crystallized, geologically interesting compounds of calcium and copper.

Application of basalt

Basalt stone melts when heated to a temperature of 1250˚С, and when molten, it is easy to mold. Cast basalt products are popular with both builders and decorators. But basalt wool is in the greatest demand. Assembled in mats, it is a reliable, durable, heat-insulating and noise-absorbing material resistant to external influences.

Basalt crumb is not only a bulk additive to asphalt and concrete. The dielectric properties of basalt make it possible to use the crushed mineral as a backfill for high-voltage converters.

The high resistance of basalt to aggressive environments makes it possible to manufacture apparatuses from natural stone chemical production and acid resistant powders.

The aesthetic properties of basalt make it possible to create small and large-scale sculptural groups, interior and jewelry decorations from a strict and solemn stone. The use of basalt as an expressive architectural material expands the possibilities of artistic rethinking of space.

Basalt Jewelry

Basalt black goes well with the soft sheen of silver. Jewelry sets made of intricately faceted tropical night-colored basalt are worn as pretentious additions to evening dresses.

Finds its use and light basalt. Beads, bracelets, necklaces and belts made of polished basalt figurines make amazing sets.

Basalt pillars - natural curiosities

The volcanic origin of basalt led to the formation of curious formations - correctly cut stone pillars. Basalt magma, frozen in the vent of the volcano, eventually cracks along several vertical planes.

As a result of erosive exposure of the magma shaft, basalt massifs are subjected to intense weathering, which first leads to the appearance of huge "clusters" of stone pillars of a geometrically perfect shape. Even edges can give a basalt monolith the appearance of a four-, five-, six-, and even seven-sided rod of many meters in length.

The history of construction describes cases of using basalt pillars in the construction of capital buildings.

Basalt is a natural stone. Most often found near volcanoes. The largest deposits are found in Russia, Ukraine, America, the Hawaiian and Kuril Islands. In nature, basalt occurs in the form of plates, shapeless and rounded stones, as well as lava flows.

What is basalt?

It is a rock with certain characteristics. Let's list them:

The composition of basalt: features

Every person since the time of school knows that all minerals have a certain structure. As a rule, when considering them, both the chemical composition and the mineral composition are taken into account. This makes it difficult to distinguish between basalt, granite, marble, etc., but to have the most complete information about their technical characteristics. It is this knowledge that helps to ergonomically apply this or that material.

The composition of any basalt includes climopyroxene, titanomagnetite, plagioclasite, magnetite. Its structure is distinguished by a porphyritic surface, sometimes aflated. In this case, sometimes there are species smooth as glass. These criteria are influenced by the location of basalt deposits. Those that are on the surface are most often bubbly, since during the cooling of volcanic lava, vapors and gases escape through these holes. Subsequently, minerals such as copper, prehnite, calcium, zeolite can be deposited in hollow places. Scientists have identified such formations in a certain type, called amygdala.

The mineral composition of basalt taken from different deposits can vary significantly. This is mainly due to the presence of certain impurities in it. For example, the structure of some is distinguished by the presence of pyroxene prisms, thanks to which the basalt acquires a black color. But olivine crystals color the stone in a yellow-green hue. It should be noted that the size of impurities can reach ¼ of the total mass. Less common are basalts, which include minerals such as apatite, orthopyroxene.

Popular types

Basalt is a generic name. It brings together many various kinds. The most common ones are:

Scope of application

Basalt is a fairly common material that is widely used in various fields. The main one is architecture. But they also make quality Construction Materials, added to concrete solutions for strength or used during the pouring of slabs. Basalt is often used as finishing material for floors or paths. And for the insulation of buildings from the outside, it is simply irreplaceable. Most designers pay due attention to basalt when decorating rooms. It is widely used in the decoration of fireplaces, walls. With this solution, it is easy to place accents and bring contrast into the interior.

Benefits of Basalt

The advantages of this type are many. The most significant:

• noise reduction;
• vapor permeability;
• high level of thermal stability;
• environmentally friendly;
• high-quality thermal insulation;
• strength;
• not electrified;
• fire safety;
• durability.

Products based on basalt

Gray basalt is mined in mines and quarries. Most often this is done by the mining industry. After withdrawal, it is sent to special enterprises, where various products are made directly from basalt. These can be frames for stairs, fibers for insulation of roofs and other surfaces. Basalt is also used for the construction of columns, arches, statues. Its powder is added during the production of reinforced products to ensure their reliability and strength.

And finally, the cost

Basalt, the price of which, unlike others natural materials is considered to be quite affordable, can be widely used without increasing the cost of the object. For example:

• basalt gravel - from 250 to 400 r. for packaging;
• facing plates - from 2000 rubles. for 1 sq. m;
• basalt paving stones - 3200-3500 r. for 1 sq. m.