Gabbro

Gabbro, named for a town in Italy, is a coarse-grained, dark-colored intrusive igneous rock formed from the slow cooling of mafic magma deep beneath the Earth’s surface. Composed primarily of pyroxene and plagioclase feldspar, with occasional olivine or hornblende, gabbro is dense and strong, boasting a Mohs hardness of 6 to 7. Its typical dark gray to black appearance and interlocking crystal structure make it a staple in the construction industry and a favorite among rock collectors.

What sets gabbro apart is its geological significance and resilience. It is resistant to weathering, making it ideal for use as crushed stone, road base, and even as a decorative building material. Gabbro’s mineral composition can also make it slightly magnetic, and its presence provides valuable insights into the processes that shape Earth’s crust. If you’re intrigued by rocks that play a foundational role in both natural landscapes and human engineering, gabbro is a fascinating subject to explore.