Basalt fiber has been around for decades yet is a relative newcomer to fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs) and structural composites as it relates to surfboard construction. It has a similar chemical composition as glass fiber but has better strength characteristics, and unlike most glass fibers is highly resistant to alkaline, acidic and salt attack making it a good candidate for surfboard manufacturing.
Compared to carbon and aramid fiber, it has the features of wider application temperature range -452° F to 1,200° F (-269° C to +650° C), higher oxidation resistance, higher radiation resistance, relative compression and shear strength.
The cloth can withstand higher temperatures than that of carbon fiber and as a result is heavily used the Aerospace industry in the creation of rockets and jet engines. The elasticity characteristics of this fiber is higher than that of traditional Carbon fiber allowing the board to have more flex for a natural feel under foot.