Basalt glass

Description

A black, glassy, volcanic stone that is composed of Obsidian rather than Basalt. Basalt glass, or glassy basalt, is an amorphous silicate found primarily in Oahu, Hawaii (Brady 1971). It is also known as Hawaiian obsidian and tachylite. Basalt glass is used for small decorative items and it polishes to a high gloss.

Synonyms and Related Terms

glassy basalt; Hawaiian obsidian; tachylite; tachylyte; verre baltique (Fr.); vidro basáltico (Port.)

Additional Information

G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, 10th edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1971.

Authority

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 641

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "Basalt." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2004. Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service. 9 May 2004 .