1 Formation
1.1 Formation
Basalt forms when lava reaches the Earth's surface near an active volcano. The temperature of lava is between 1100 to 1250° C when it gets to the surface.
Earth movements can cause rocks to be either deeply buried or squeezed and hence the rocks are heated and put under great pressure.
1.2 Composition
1.2.1 Mineral Content
Olivine, Plagioclase, Pyroxene
Apatite, Augite, Biotite, Bronzite, Calcite, Chert, Epidote, Feldspar, Hornblende, Micas, Plagioclase, Pyroxene, Quartz, Sulfides, Zircon
1.2.2 Compound Content
Aluminium Oxide, CaO, Iron(III) Oxide, FeO, Potassium Oxide, MgO, MnO, Sodium Oxide, Phosphorus Pentoxide, Silicon Dioxide, Titanium Dioxide
Aluminium Oxide, CaO, Fe, FeO, Silicon Dioxide, Sulphur
1.3 Transformation
1.3.1 Metamorphism
1.3.2 Types of Metamorphism
Contact Metamorphism
Not Applicable
1.3.3 Weathering
1.3.4 Types of Weathering
Biological Weathering
Not Applicable
1.3.5 Erosion
1.3.6 Types of Erosion
Not Available
Chemical Erosion, Sea Erosion, Wind Erosion