Rock Identification with Willsey: BASALT and its many varieties

Team up with geology professor Shawn Willsey as he investigates basalt in all its wonderous varieties. Observe and learn pillow lava, scoria, reticulite, volcanic bombs, and more. Also watch for a special guest appearance at the end by some true rock stars.

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Shawn Willsey
College of Southern Idaho
315 Falls Avenue
Twin Falls, ID 83303

[sarahdawn]

I think the basalts are the most interesting looking rocks. The crystals are beautiful. I love the way some basalts fracture into columns as they cool. Once again, really interesting formations.

[tipthetube]

When visiting sister-in-law in Portrush, County Antrim N. Ireland, was able to pop along to Giants Causeway, incredible hexagonal columns of basalt rising up perfectly interlocking

[farmboypresents]

Another great vid! Thankyou. You are a truly generous teacher; passing your knowledge to all and any.

[oceanfambam]

Great explanation on basalt. I agree they are interesting. Nice to meet the family :)

[madmaddie]

You are an exceptional teacher, in the teacher-of-the-year category! You make me love learning and discovering and appreciating the Wonderment of nature! I adore your Babies!! And that reticulite, WHOA! I am now a fan of basalt!

[briandwi]

Very thorough. I may just be getting the hang of some of the terminology! Thanks.

[okboomer]

That reticulite mineral was amazing. I have never heard of that before.

[Rachel.]

This is really fun and special, first maybe because we saw films of babies 2 and 3 being born. And also because some of my own basalt pieces are similar to those you identified. Repeating terms as you do is so helpful to my remembering! You're a thoughtful teacher. 👏🏻 Thank you, Shawn!

[GentlyUsedOreos]

I don't understand how some geology enthusiasts aren't interested in Basalt. It can be chunky, & can also speed down slopes in insane speeds! Then the crystals you can get! Dude... I can go on & on! LoL I will say living in Twin Falls is definitely a bonus for my geologic passion! 💚

[spelunkerd]

You've got an engaging way of making this interesting. It answered many questions I had about basalt, thank you.

[teresamanning]

So awesome! The power of Creation. We live near a once active volcano so this afternoon I plan to hike up closer to get a better look at lava basalts. Appreciate your interest in our Mother, the Earth.

[RockhoundTreasurehunt]

Now I know more about what kind of host rock I'm finding when I'm finding the best amethyst at the Kingston Range. Thanks for the help!

[colleendeis]

Reasons you'll love Shawn Willsey's videos:
- Covers each specimen in a detailed yet concise manner
- Takes time to zoom in and capture multiple veiws of the specimen
- Confidence in the information, as it comes from a reputable and reliable source
- Delivers information in a manner designed to teach you, not just entertain

[StereoSpace]

Far more varieties of basalt than I knew existed! And I've never seen the iridescent surface before. Cool. Thanks.

[phillair]

Thank you, professor, for such a clear and diverse presentation of basalt. This has converted my hohum attitude toward
basalt to an enthusiastic one. I live in tri-cities of Washington state, so this presentation will be in mind on my own explorations of nature among the basalt areas here.

[oscarmedina]

Thank you for your video presentation. The visuals really helped and I never knew basalt could be SO interesting.

[MrFmiller]

I learned a lot. The only thing I ever really considered when encountered basalt in the past was to look at the edges for seams, and amygdules, or vesicles (vugs to a rock hound) for crystal linings. Seeing your collection of the various types of basalt gives me a new appreciation for what I always thought to be just a mundane rock. Well, I guess it still is mundane but it is a lot more interesting than I used to think.

[cinderelly]

You should come to Newfoundland there is so much to see. This was such a fascinating segment. Thank you.

[billallen]

Great video! I'm used to seeing basalt more in the hexagonal columns or black rocks than as a lava flow. Interesting, never thought about it being so full of gas pockets and vesicles. 😮

[outdooradventureswithfayde]

I just love basalt. And I do love volcanoes. So, yes, that makes sense, like you said. I learned a few things watching. I really enjoyed seeing all the different specimens. My favorite are amygdaloidal basalts with all the different minerals that fill in the vesicles. The ones I find along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior are really cool. I would like to go to Idaho and collect some. I am fortunate to have collected some basalt from Hawaii. Your babies are the coolest....hahaha, well, now they are 🙃 Thanks for the great informative content. 👍