Basalt and Argillite Definition

Definition of Basalt and Argillite

The general Basalt and Argillite definition can be stated as: Basalt is a common extrusive igneous rock formed by the rapid cooling of basaltic lava exposed at or very near the surface of Earth. On the other hand, Argillites are highly compact sedimentary or slightly metamorphosed rocks that consist largely or wholly of particles of clay or silt but lack the fissility of shale or the cleavage characteristic of slate. Along with definition of Basalt and Argillite, get to know about Properties of Basalt and Argillite. Get to know more information about Basalt and Argillite origin and discoverer, etymology and class.

History of Basalt and Argillite

The history of Basalt and Argillite gives information about where the rock was found and who was its discoverer. Almost each and every aspect of Earth's history is recorded in rocks be it the volcanoes which were erupted or the plants, animals and organisms which are now extinct, as rocks are present from millions of years.

Basalt and Argillite Origin and Discoverer

Basalt and Argillite definition gives us a brief idea about the two rocks. In some cases, the definition also gives summary about the Formation of Basalt and Argillite. In this section, you will know about Basalt and Argillite Origin and Discoverer. Origin of Basalt is Egypt whereas Origin of Argillite is Unknown. It is interesting to know the name of Basalt and Argillite discoverer. The Discoverer of Basalt is Georgius Agricola and the discoverer of Argillite is Unknown.

Etymology of Basalt and Argillite

Along with Basalt and Argillite definition, know more about the etymology of Basalt and Argillite. Etymology of Basalt and Argillite gives information about origin and formation of a particular rock. Know more about Formation of Basalt and Formation of Argillite. The etymology of Basalt is From Late Latin Basaltes (variant of basanites ), very hard stone, which was imported from Ancient Greek Basanites while that of Argillite is From Late Latin Basaltes (variant of basanites ), very hard stone, which was imported from Ancient Greek Basanites. The process of formation of rocks defines the class of rock. All the rocks in a class are formed by similar processes. Basalt belongs to Igneous Rocks while Argillite belongs to Sedimentary Rocks. The sub-class, group and other categories of Basalt and Argillite are listed below.

For Basalt,

• Sub-class: Durable Rock and Medium Hardness Rock
• Group: Volcanic
• Other Categories: Fine grained rock and Opaque rock

For Argillite,

• Sub-class: Durable Rock and Soft Rock
• Group: Not applicable
• Other Categories: Fine grained rock and Opaque rock