Basalt

This volcanic rock was highly valued for the making of statues. It was difficult to obtain, not being found in the Nile valley, but in the desert. It was too precious a material to be used for mere architectural purposes. It is also extremely hard to work, yet the finish on statues and sarcophagi sculptured from this stone is as perfect as could be produced in these days. The finest specimens belong to the XXVIth Dynasty.