VESICULAR BASALT Meaning and
Definition
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Vesicular basalt refers to a type of volcanic rock characterized by its abundant vesicles or cavities formed by gas bubbles during the rapid cooling and solidification of magma. It is a relatively common volcanic rock, typically dark in color, and exhibits distinctive physical and chemical properties.
The term "vesicular" in vesicular basalt refers to the presence of these vesicles, which vary in size and shape, ranging from small pockets to larger voids. These vesicles are a result of gas entrapment during the volcanic eruption and are commonly filled with secondary minerals or completely empty.
Basalt, on the other hand, is an igneous rock that forms from the solidification of lava flows. It is composed predominantly of plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene minerals such as augite or titanaugite, and minor amounts of other minerals like olivine or magnetite. Basalt is generally fine-grained, displaying a dense and crystalline texture.
Vesicular basalt often exhibits a porous and lightweight nature due to the presence of these vesicles. Its vesicular texture can vary, with some specimens having a high vesicle content while others may display only sporadic vesicles. This type of basalt is widely used in construction, as it can serve as a good aggregate material and is also utilized as a decorative stone. Its vesicular texture also imparts insulation properties, making it suitable in certain applications.
In summary, vesicular basalt is a volcanic rock possessing numerous voids or cavities, caused by the entrapment of gas bubbles during the solidification of magma. It is a common type of basalt that displays a lightweight and porous texture, primarily used in the construction industry and as an ornamental rock.
Common Misspellings for VESICULAR BASALT
- cesicular basalt
- besicular basalt
- gesicular basalt
- fesicular basalt
- vwsicular basalt
- vssicular basalt
- vdsicular basalt
- vrsicular basalt
- v4sicular basalt
- v3sicular basalt
- veaicular basalt
- vezicular basalt
- vexicular basalt
- vedicular basalt
- veeicular basalt
- vewicular basalt
- vesucular basalt
- vesjcular basalt
- veskcular basalt
- vesocular basalt
Etymology of VESICULAR BASALT
The term "vesicular basalt" is composed of two parts: "vesicular" and "basalt".
The word "vesicular" is derived from the Latin word "vesicula", meaning "a small bladder". It refers to the characteristic presence of small cavities or vesicles within the rock. These vesicles are formed due to the presence of gas bubbles (usually steam or other volcanic gases) trapped within the molten lava when it solidifies. As the lava cools and solidifies, these gas bubbles get trapped, leaving behind voids or cavities.
The word "basalt" originates from Latin as well. It is believed to have been derived from the Latin word "basaltes", which referred to a very hard stone. "Basaltes" itself may have been derived from the ancient Egyptian term "bw-st-lt", which means "black stone".
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