Basalt tablet

Part of Hall of Planet Earth.

A basalt tablet, a specimen with a number six marker on it, in the Museum’s Hall of Planet Earth. Appears as long bumpy pitted section of rock. AMNH/R.Mickens

The composition of the magma that formed this tablet was basically unchanged by its journey from the mantle to the surface, where it erupted to form a smooth, sinuous lava flow.

AMNH collection