Basalt

Basalt was used to make tools, such as axe heads, hoes, and corn grinders.

The Rock
Basalt is a very hard, dense, black volcanic rock that forms when lava oozes to the surface and cools. Basalt underlies the tuff cliffs and is exposed in the lower canyons of the park.

The Uses
Basalt was used to make tools, such as axe heads, hoes, and corn grinders. Because Bandelier’s basalt is very fine grained, it was also used to make cutting, piercing, and scraping tools.