Basalto
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A basalt hand specimen from near Vantage, Washington, in the GeoDIL geological collection. Source
Description
Basalt is usually dark and fine-grained. Some varieties are compact, while others contain cavities left by gas. It is used for paving, walling, architectural elements and carved objects. The broader term lava stone can include basalt, but also covers volcanic stones with different textures.
History
Basalt forms from lava cooling at or near the Earth’s surface. Carved basalt figures and monuments survive from Mesoamerican cultures, including the Mexica.
Commissioning
The source and surface treatment should be agreed together. For paving or a water feature, the proposed stone needs assessment in the conditions of its intended use. A dense sawn slab, split block and porous boulder should be compared as distinct supplies.