Basalt and Laterite Definition

Definition of Basalt and Laterite

The general Basalt and Laterite 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, Laterite rock is a type of Sedimentary rock which is rich in iron and aluminium, formed in hot and wet tropical areas. Along with definition of Basalt and Laterite, get to know about Properties of Basalt and Laterite. Get to know more information about Basalt and Laterite origin and discoverer, etymology and class.

History of Basalt and Laterite

The history of Basalt and Laterite 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 Laterite Origin and Discoverer

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

Etymology of Basalt and Laterite

Along with Basalt and Laterite definition, know more about the etymology of Basalt and Laterite. Etymology of Basalt and Laterite gives information about origin and formation of a particular rock. Know more about Formation of Basalt and Formation of Laterite. 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 Laterite 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 Laterite belongs to Sedimentary Rocks. The sub-class, group and other categories of Basalt and Laterite are listed below.

For Basalt,

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

For Laterite,

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