Basaltic magma is the most abundant in iron, magnesium, and calcium but the lowest in silica, potassium, and sodium.  The composition of silica within basaltic magma ranges from 45-55 weight percent (wt.%), or mass fraction of a species. It forms in temperatures ranging from approximately 1830 °F to 2200 °F.  Basaltic magma has the lowest viscosity and volatiles content, yet still may be up to 100,000 times more viscous than water. Because of its low viscosity, this is the least explosive form of magma. Basaltic magma may found in regions such as Hawaii, known for its shield volcanoes. 
Basaltic magma forms minerals such as calcium-rich plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene. The water composition of basaltic magma varies dependent on the evolution of the magma chamber. Arc magmas, such as Izarú in Costa Rica, range from 3.2-3.5 wt.%.