Characteristics Of Basalt And Granite

Grant mason from the byu department of physics and astronomy discusses samples of granite and basalt rock.

Characteristics of basalt and granite.

Basalt is volcanic or extrusive forming at the surface while granite is plutonic or intrusive forming beneath the surface. In granite samples initial p wave velocity is 5 km s and increases with pressure by 20. It is usually an organic sedimentary rock that forms from the accumulation of shell coral algal and fecal debris. Specimens are black in color and weather to dark green or brown.

Basalt is mafic while granite is felsic basalt is common on both earth and other solar system bodies such as the moon and mars while granite is only common on earth and rare elsewhere in the solar system. Basalt is the most common rock on earth s surface. It can also be a chemical sedimentary rock formed by the precipitation of calcium. The characteristics of granite from its appearance to the stone s tough qualities make it one of the most appealing materials on the market.

Granite is an intrusive igneous rock which is very hard crystalline and is visibly homogeneous in texture and forms by melting of continental rocks 5 2 composition. Granite is strong enough to withstand most abrasions large weights resist weather conditions and accept varnishes. Earth s most abundant bedrock basalt underlies more of earth s surface than any other rock type. Of the two basalt is darker and consists of fine grained minerals such as magnesium and iron while granite is lighter and consist of feldspar and quartz.

It is the bedrock of the ocean floor and also occurs on land in extensive lava flows. Basalt is rich in iron and magnesium and is mainly composed of olivine pyroxene and plagioclase. Basalt is an extrusive igneous rock. Basalt forms when lava reaches the earth s surface near an active volcano.

It is generally defined as a size stone that can be cut to certain lengths widths and thicknesses. Among other differences the nature of these rocks reveals that basalt is basic in nature whereas granite is acidic in nature. This guide can help you learn more about the natural stone that makes up your.