Basalt is an extrusive igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling and solidification of mafic lava. This composition results in a rock rich in magnesium and iron, giving it a characteristically dark color. The rock's formation process, involving cooling at or near the Earth's surface, dictates its primary mineralogy, which frequently includes pyroxene and plagioclase feldspar. Basaltic flows are responsible for much of the world's oceanic crust and are found globally in terrestrial and marine settings. Due to its physical hardness and relative uniformity, this rock type is utilized widely in construction, aggregate material manufacturing, and industrial applications.