'basalt' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'basaltes,' which was a misspelling of 'basanites,' meaning 'very hard stone.'

'basaltes' transformed into the French word 'basalte,' and eventually became the modern English word 'basalt' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'very hard stone,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a type of volcanic rock.'