Basalt

Basalt is a type of volcanic rock that has been used in sculpture for thousands of years. It is a dense, dark-colored rock that is particularly well-suited for carving because it is hard and durable.

In ancient times, basalt was often used by the Egyptians for statues and other decorative objects. The most famous example of basalt sculpture from ancient Egypt is the Great Sphinx of Giza, which is carved from a single block of limestone with a head made of basalt.

Basalt was also used by the ancient Greeks, who carved many of their famous sculptures from the material. One notable example is the black basalt statue of the god Anubis that was found at the temple of Artemis in Ephesus, which dates back to the 2nd century AD.

In addition to its use in sculpture, basalt was also used by many ancient cultures for building and construction. The Romans, for example, used basalt for roads, aqueducts, and other structures.

Today, basalt is still used by artists and sculptors, as well as in architecture and construction. Its durability and strength make it an attractive option for a variety of applications, and its dark color and texture give it a unique and distinctive appearance.