Where is Vesicular Basalt found?
Vesicular Basalt
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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 (Kilauea, Mauna Loa).
Iceland
A major volcanic hotspot with abundant basaltic volcanism, including numerous vesicular basalt formations.
Columbia River Basalt Group, USA
Vast flood basalts in the Pacific Northwest, often exhibiting vesicular textures.
Deccan Traps, India
One of the largest volcanic provinces on Earth, with widespread basaltic flows, including vesicular types.
Mid-ocean ridges globally
Formed at divergent plate boundaries, where basaltic lava erupts and cools, often forming pillow basalts with vesicular rinds.
Collecting tips
- Look for volcanic terrains. Vesicular basalt is exclusively found in areas of past or present volcanic activity, such as lava flows, volcanic cones, and rift zones.
- Examine rock surfaces for pores. The most distinctive feature is the presence of numerous small holes (vesicles) on the rock's surface and within its interior.
- Check for dark color and fine grain. Basalt is typically dark and fine-grained. If it also has vesicles, it's likely vesicular basalt.
- Consider density. Due to the trapped gas bubbles, vesicular basalt is often lighter in weight than non-vesicular basalt of the same size.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Dark gray to black
- Luster:
- Dull to earthy
- Streak:
- Gray to brownish-gray (often difficult to obtain due to texture)
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