Where is Vesicular Basalt found?
Basalt (vesicular)
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Open the appVesicular Basalt occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Vesicular Basalt
Hawaii, USA
Extensive basaltic lava flows, including vesicular varieties, are found throughout the Hawaiian Islands, particularly on the Big Island (Hawaii) from active volcanoes like Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
Iceland
A hotspot over the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is almost entirely composed of basaltic rocks, with abundant vesicular basalts from numerous volcanic eruptions.
Columbia River Basalt Group, USA
Massive flood basalt province covering parts of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, containing vast quantities of basalt, including vesicular flows.
Deccan Traps, India
One of the largest volcanic provinces on Earth, consisting of multiple layers of basaltic lava flows, many of which are vesicular.
Mid-Ocean Ridges
Formed at divergent plate boundaries, these underwater mountain ranges are sites of continuous basaltic volcanism, producing pillow basalts, which often exhibit vesicular textures.
Collecting tips
- Look in Volcanic Regions. Vesicular basalt is exclusively found in areas of past or present volcanic activity. Look for lava flows, volcanic cones, and volcanic plains.
- Examine Outcrops. Inspect rock outcrops in volcanic terrains. Vesicular basalt often forms the upper, more gas-rich portions of lava flows.
- Check for Porosity. The most distinctive feature is its porous, 'bubbly' texture. If the rock is dark and lightweight for its size, it's likely vesicular basalt.
- Distinguish from Scoria/Pumice. While similar, vesicular basalt is generally denser than scoria and pumice, and its vesicles are typically less abundant and less interconnected than in pumice. Scoria is often more reddish and has a higher proportion of vesicles than typical vesicular basalt.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Dark gray to black
- Luster:
- Dull/Earthy
- Streak:
- Gray to brownish-gray
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