Natural stone
Basalt: dark, dense volcanic stone
A strong, fine-grained stone for paving, cladding and contemporary designs.
Material overview
About Basalt
Basalt is a fine-grained volcanic rock formed from rapidly cooled lava. Its dark grey to black colour, uniform texture and high density make it a favourite for modern architecture and tough outdoor surfaces.
Basalt is strong and hard-wearing, and its dark tones give contrast to lighter materials.
Key characteristics
What defines this material.
Very strong
High compressive strength and wear resistance.
Fine grain
Even, modern appearance.
Dark tones
Grey to black, ideal for contrast.
Weather resistant
Performs well outdoors.
Common applications
Where basalt is typically used.
Paving
Driveways, paths and plazas.
Cladding
Contemporary facades.
Flooring
Interior and exterior floors.
Kerbs and setts
Durable street furniture.
Garden features
Borders and edging.
Landscape design
Stepping stones and walls.
Common finishes
Finish changes appearance, grip and maintenance.
Flamed
Textured and slip-resistant.
Honed
Smooth matte black.
Polished
Deep, glossy finish.
Natural split
Rough cleaved face.
Technical information
Typical ranges for this stone family.
| Rock type | Igneous (volcanic, fine-grained) |
|---|---|
| Density | About 2.8 to 3.0 g/cm³ |
| Water absorption | Typically below 0.5% |
| Compressive strength | Typically 100 to 300 MPa |
| Hardness | About 6 on the Mohs scale |
Values are typical for the material family and vary by deposit and block. They are not a guarantee for any specific batch. Request test reports for your project where they are needed.
Project suitability considerations
- Heat: dark stone absorbs heat in strong sun. Consider this for bare-foot areas.
- Polish: polished basalt shows marks and fingerprints more readily.
- Variation: colour and small inclusions vary between sources.
FAQ
Basalt: buyer questions
No. Basalt is a fine-grained volcanic rock; granite is a coarse-grained intrusive rock. Both are very durable.
Yes. It is dense, strong and weather resistant.
Dark surfaces warm in direct sun. Lighter alternatives suit bare-foot areas.
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Enquire about Basalt
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Helpful to include
- Stone type, size, thickness and finish
- Approximate quantity and delivery port
- Timeline and any documents you need