basalt

[bəˈsɔːlt]
nounmasculinepl: basalts
basalto
1. A dark volcanic rock formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava exposed at or very near the earth's surface
The island was formed by layers of basalt from ancient volcanic eruptions.
A ilha foi formada por camadas de basalto de erupções vulcânicas antigas.
2. A fine-grained igneous rock that is the most common volcanic rock on Earth
Basalt is often used in construction and road building due to its durability.
O basalto é frequentemente usado na construção e pavimentação de estradas pela sua durabilidade.
3. A type of dark gray to black stone used historically in decorative arts and sculpture
Ancient Egyptians carved statues from basalt stone.
Os antigos egípcios esculpiam estátuas em pedra de basalto.
Basalt is geologically significant in both Brazil and Portugal. Brazil's Paraná Plateau contains extensive basalt formations, while Portugal's Azores islands are volcanically active with basaltic rock formations. In construction and infrastructure development, basalt is valued for its hardness and resistance to weathering, making it a preferred material in both countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
volcanic rockigneous rocklava rock
Antonyms / Antônimos
granitelimestonesandstone

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
basalto
Standard term used throughout Brazil in geological and construction contexts
Rio de Janeiro
basalto
Common in construction industry; region has significant basalt deposits
São Paulo
basalto
Widely used in industrial and architectural applications
Portugal
basalto
Same term used; Portuguese geology texts reference basalt formations in Atlantic islands like the Azores

Related Words

lavavolcanicigneousmagmageologyminerology

Related Idioms & Phrases

basalt columns
columnar basalt
basalt lava flow
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