Basalt Stone

What is Basalt?

Basalt, which is encountered in almost every field, raises a questions mark in people`s mind who do not know and hear it for the first time; “What is basalt?” Basalt is rocks which were formed as a result of volcanic movements lasting thousands of years. It is extracted in masses, and in the form of stream or seam. Basalt is formed when the currents of molten magma crystallize and harden in the form of slag as well as it is found more often in the areas with intensive volcanic movements. The lava freezes and stretches after it flows and shrinks between the slag layers. Because of these procedures, cracks occur in the stone. The homogeneous structure of the lava mass makes it possible that smooth prisms can be obtained from the cracks occurred. The prisms formed can reach up to 50 meters in height.

Being quite abundant, basalt is extracted from sizeable areas in Ireland, Northern England, India and America. The diameter of the basalt pyramids extracted in Urfa Karacalıdağ Volcano, Turkey reaches to 280km. It is also produced in Izmir, Kayseri, Ankara, Kars, Diyarbakir and Gaziantep. Basalt layers can be seen horizontally in Western and Central Turkey. The structure of the stone consists of much magnetite. Not only does magnetite make basalt black, but also it provides it with harder structure than granite known for its durability and weight. It is resistant to high pressure. The basalt types which are preferred most include plaque basalt, cube basalt, kerb basalt and gutter basalt.

Basalt

Having an important place among volcanic stone masses, basalt is the most important stone of the gabbro family with its dark colour, homogeneous structure, and glassy and microlithic texture.

Basalt is composed of olivine, magnetite blisters, some amorphous substances, base-containing feldspars such as labrador, anaphritis and augite macrolides, and less hornblend and ilmenite. It contains a type of silicate, mainly called augite, and calcium sodium feldspars. It is very heavy because it contains iron ores such as magnetite and ilmenite. Basalts are quite resistant to abrasion, climate changes and long-term use due to their nature. With its unique durability and quality, basalt is preferred in general for interior decorations, floor coverings and exterior coatings within the scope of architectural projects. Magnetite which is the most common substance in it and source of its black colour makes basalt heavier while the olivine substance is found in almost all types of basalt.

The cracks occurred in the olivine particles can be observed with a microscope. Additionally, the inclusions of picotite can be seen during the observation. In terms of components, it has similarities with obsidian to which it is also very similar microscopically. The colours of basalt can change during the application processes. The procedures such as polishing, wiping, sandblasting, striped-surface treatment, patinato and bush hammer change the colour of basalt into a smoked or blackish colour. It appears with dark or light colour depending on the procedure performed based on the coating and flooring models of the rock.

Basalt Prices

Basalt prices vary based on the general characteristics of the rock such as size, model, colour, surface, dimensions, the length of the process applied, workmanship, the location it is extracted, and the way of extraction such as horizontal and vertical, as well as the internal standards and procedures of the firms. When basalt is used in decorative items, the additional materials with it have an impact on the product price. If you are considering using basalt for decoration products or coatings, you should contact our company. The team will inform you in detail about the rock characteristics, the product to be created and the total cost.

Basalt Properties

Basalt is among the most abundant rock types on earth as well as it is an extruded rock besides being volcanic. The extracted basalt rocks are dark black and dense. It has a privileged place thanks to all its physical and chemical properties, especially being very durable. It has been used in different sectors from past to present, especially in the construction sector. Due to the quality it offers, it is preferred for the purpose of hardening in railway travers and as friction material of brake pads in automobiles. Basalt has high tensile strength, high modulus and good fatigue resistance. It has superior resistance to alkaline substances and acids chemically. It has high thermal conductivity. Hence, it is an ideal material for temperature insulation applications. It has electromagnetic resistance and is very healthy since it does not pose any carcinogenic risk. It does not cause environmental pollution.

Basalt Usage Areas

Basalt is the toughest and most durable natural rock on earth. Thanks to its superior resistance to all harsh conditions, it is the most preferred one among the natural rocks. The usage area of basalt is quite wide due to its great characteristics.

It can be used in mineral and glass ceramic based insulation systems, home insulation, paving stones, roads, pavements, crossroads, park and garden decorations, and in all external and internal areas of architectural structures. In addition, rock wool is obtained from basalt.

This product is preferred in ships, wall coatings of the structures built in the sea to be resistant to abrasion, floorings, fire ladders due to its resistence to heat, boiler rooms, fire exit doors, chimney materials and ducts, tank storages, and insulation of ceilings.

Crushed basalts are used as aggregates in different amounts in concrete compositions. The wide usage area enables basalt to be produced in different sizes continuously. The fact that it has a lot of production allows this  rock with exemplary durability to be offered for sale at attractive prices.