basalt

Basalt is a natural volcanic material known as basalt rock, formed by the solidification of lava rich in iron and magnesium. Although basalt has been used since ancient times mainly in construction, its industrial processing for textile applications expanded in the 20th century with the development of basalt fibres. The production process involves crushing and melting basalt at temperatures around 1400 °C, after which the molten material is extruded through spinnerets to form fine (5–15 µm) inorganic fibres with high strength and thermal resistance. In the textile industry, basalt fibres are mainly used for technical textiles, protective fabrics, mats, and composite materials. They are valued for their heat resistance, chemical stability, and environmental friendliness, as basalt is a natural, non-toxic and abundant resource. Due to these properties, basalt fibres are suitable for protective clothing, industrial filters, and reinforcement in construction materials.