What is the main characteristic of basalt compared to granite?

Basalt is primarily characterized by its density and texture compared to granite. Basalt is a mafic, volcanic rock that typically has a higher iron and magnesium content than granite, which is a felsic rock with a higher silica content. As a result, basalt generally has a greater density, making it heavier than granite. This significant difference in composition leads to distinct physical properties, including weight.

Granite, on the other hand, is composed mostly of lighter minerals like quartz and feldspar, contributing to its relatively lower density and weight. This difference in mineral composition is critical in understanding the relationship between these two types of igneous rocks and their formation processes. While basalt’s weight is significant in geological terms, it is also important to consider its formation through volcanic activity in contrast to granite, which forms from slow-cooling magma beneath the Earth’s surface.