Name:
Online Igneous Rock Identification Lab
This lab has been designed to introduce you to common igneous rocks found on or near Earth’s
surface. High-quality photographs will substitute for actual rock samples traditionally utilized to
complete this assignment. Please review the associated mineral and igneous rock lecture and lab
background information along with these questions, and if necessary, consult online resources
for additional photographs and information.
Igneous rock properties and identification:
For each rock name and image, please provide information for the: a) texture (aphanitic or
phaneritic), b) color, c) are mineral grains or crystals visible, and if so, what minerals?, d) does
the rock have any unique features (solid glass, glass fibers, vesicles or air holes, etc.), and e) did
the rock form on the Earth’s surface of below ground (extrusive or intrusive).
1. Basalt:
a) texture- aphanitic
b) color- Dark
c) are mineral grains or crystals visible, and if so, what minerals? Not visible.
d) does the rock have any unique features- vesicles
e) did the rock form on the Earth’s surface of below ground - extrusive
, 1a. Vesicular Basalt:
a) texture- aphanitic
b) color- Dark
c) are mineral grains or crystals visible, and if so, what minerals? Not visible.
d) does the rock have any unique features- vesicles
e) did the rock form on the Earth’s surface of below ground- extrusive
Online Igneous Rock Identification Lab
This lab has been designed to introduce you to common igneous rocks found on or near Earth’s
surface. High-quality photographs will substitute for actual rock samples traditionally utilized to
complete this assignment. Please review the associated mineral and igneous rock lecture and lab
background information along with these questions, and if necessary, consult online resources
for additional photographs and information.
Igneous rock properties and identification:
For each rock name and image, please provide information for the: a) texture (aphanitic or
phaneritic), b) color, c) are mineral grains or crystals visible, and if so, what minerals?, d) does
the rock have any unique features (solid glass, glass fibers, vesicles or air holes, etc.), and e) did
the rock form on the Earth’s surface of below ground (extrusive or intrusive).
1. Basalt:
a) texture- aphanitic
b) color- Dark
c) are mineral grains or crystals visible, and if so, what minerals? Not visible.
d) does the rock have any unique features- vesicles
e) did the rock form on the Earth’s surface of below ground - extrusive
, 1a. Vesicular Basalt:
a) texture- aphanitic
b) color- Dark
c) are mineral grains or crystals visible, and if so, what minerals? Not visible.
d) does the rock have any unique features- vesicles
e) did the rock form on the Earth’s surface of below ground- extrusive
