About basalt
Introduction to basalt
Basalt, the main component of oceanic crust, is a basic volcanic rock. it is mainly composed of mafic minerals, such as pyroxene and plagioclase. It is usually dark gray or black, sometimes with green or brown hues. The texture of basalt can be fine-grained, dense, or have a vesicular structure, depending on its cooling rate and environmental conditions. Next we’ll briefly analyze the properties and application of basalt.
1. Properties of Basalt
Physical properties
ⓐ Density: basalt has a higher density, typically between 2.8 and 3.0 g/cm³.
ⓑ Hardness: according to the Mohs hardness scale, the hardness of basalt is approximately between 5 and 6.
ⓒ Compressive Strength: basalt has high compressive strength, usually around 100 to 300 MPa.
ⓓ Melting Point: the melting point of basalt is approximately around 1000°C to 1250°C.
Chemical properties
Chemical composition: basalt is mainly composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), iron oxide (FeO and Fe2O3), magnesium oxide (MgO), calcium oxide (CaO) and sodium oxide (Na2O).
Acid resistance: basalt has resistance to acidic environment, but weathering may occur if exposed to acidic conditions for a long time.
2. Composition
Basalt is mainly composed of the following minerals:
➊ Pyroxene: pyroxene is one of the most important minerals in basalt, it is usually monoclinic pyroxene or orthopyroxene.
➋ Plagioclase: plagioclase is another major mineral component of basalt, it is usually calcium feldspar or sodium feldspar.
➌ Peridot: peridot is also a common mineral component in some basalt. Its chemical composition mainly includes iron and magnesium, the iron makes it yellow-green in color.
➍ Hornblende: hornblende in basalt is usually common hornblende, it usually appears black with glassy luster.
The formation of basalt is usually associated with the melting of the mantle. When mantle material rises to the surface and cools rapidly, basalt is formed. This rock is commonly found in places of mid-ocean ridge, volcanic island arc and continental rift valley.
3. Application of Basalt
Basalt has important applications in many fields due to its unique properties and widespread existence.
▶ Building Materials: due to its high hardness and wear resistance, basalt is often used as building and decorative stone. It can be used for paving roads, building walls and making monuments etc.
▶ Industrial application: basalt fiber is a new type of high-performance fiber material with advantages of high strength, light weight, high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance. It is widely used in fields of aerospace, automobile manufacturing, construction and environmental protection.
▶ Agriculture: basalt powder can be used as soil conditioner, providing minerals necessary for plant growth.
▶ Geological research: basalt is an important material for studying internal structure and geological history of the earth. Through the study of basalt, scientists can analyze the evolution of the earth and the composition of the mantle.
4. Summary
Basalt has a wide range of applications, covering many fields. In practical applications, sometimes grinding and classifying of basalt is necessary. For example, when basalt is used in highway construction, it needs to meet the requirements of compression resistance and asphalt adhesion. Grinding and classifying of basalt can meets these requirements.
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