Comparison · Igneous Rocks
Basaltic Andesite vs Norite
Basaltic Andesite and Norite are easy to confuse because both are igneous rocks. Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Basaltic Andesite and Norite
- Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Basaltic Andesite leaves a gray to dark gray streak on unglazed porcelain, Norite leaves gray to white.
- They overlap in gray, black, and brown, but Basaltic Andesite also comes in red and Norite also comes in white and green.
Basaltic Andesite vs Norite properties
| Property | Basaltic Andesite | Norite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Igneous Rocks | Igneous Rocks |
| Mohs hardness | 6 | 6 |
| Luster | dull | dull |
| Streak | Gray to dark gray | Gray to white |
| Transparency | opaque | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 2.85 | 3 |
| Crystal system | varies | varies |
| Common colors | Dark gray, Black, Brown, Red brown, Gray | Black, Dark gray, White, Greenish black, Brown |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $1–$75+ | $1–$75+ |
Which is more valuable?
Typical specimens of Basaltic Andesite and Norite trade in a similar range, around $10.
About Basaltic Andesite
Basaltic andesite is a dark volcanic rock between basalt and andesite in composition. It can look fine-grained, dark gray to black, and may contain small crystals or vesicles.
About Norite
Norite is a coarse-grained mafic intrusive igneous rock similar to gabbro but richer in orthopyroxene. It often looks dark, speckled, and dense.
Basaltic Andesite vs Norite FAQ
Is Basaltic Andesite the same as Norite?
No. Both are igneous rocks, but they are distinct rock types with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Basaltic Andesite from Norite?
Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Basaltic Andesite leaves a gray to dark gray streak on unglazed porcelain, Norite leaves gray to white. They overlap in gray, black, and brown, but Basaltic Andesite also comes in red and Norite also comes in white and green.
Which is harder, Basaltic Andesite or Norite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 6.
Which is more valuable, Basaltic Andesite or Norite?
Typical specimens of Basaltic Andesite and Norite trade in a similar range, around $10.
