Basalt and Slate Definition

Definition of Basalt and Slate

The general Basalt and Slate 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, Slate is a fine-grained, foliated, homogeneous metamorphic rock derived from an original shale-type sedimentary rock composed of clay or volcanic ash through low-grade regional metamorphism. Along with definition of Basalt and Slate, get to know about Properties of Basalt and Slate. Get to know more information about Basalt and Slate origin and discoverer, etymology and class.

History of Basalt and Slate

The history of Basalt and Slate 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 Slate Origin and Discoverer

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

Etymology of Basalt and Slate

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

For Basalt,

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

For Slate,

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