Properties of Basalt and Obsidian

Basalt

Obsidian

Properties of Obsidian and Basalt

Properties

Physical Properties

Hardness

5-5.5

Grain Size

Fine Grained

Not Applicable

Fracture

Conchoidal

Streak

White to Grey

White

Porosity

Less Porous

Very Less Porous

Luster

Not Available

Vitreous

Compressive Strength

37.40 N/mm²

0.15 N/mm²

Cleavage

Not Available

Non-Existent

Toughness

2.3

Not Available

Specific Gravity

2.8-3

2.6-2.7

Transparency

Opaque

Translucent

Density

2.9-3.1 g/cm³

2.6 g/cm³

Thermal Properties

Specific Heat Capacity

0.84 kJ/Kg K

0.92 kJ/Kg K

Resistance

Heat Resistant, Pressure Resistant, Wear Resistant

Heat Resistant, Impact Resistant

Reserves >>

<< Formation

Basalt vs Obsidian Properties

Properties of Basalt and Obsidian play an important role in determining the type of rock. Along with Basalt vs Obsidian properties, get to know more about Basalt Definition and Obsidian Definition. For the ease of understanding, the properties of rocks are divided into physical and thermal properties. Rocks have a variety of properties like hardness, color, specific gravity, fracture, cleavage, luster etc. Know all about physical and thermal properties of Basalt and Obsidian.