Processing and characterization of sinter-crystallized basalt glass-ceramics

•Paper explores the sinter-crystallization of basalt glass frits for glass-ceramics.•Intermediate isothermal steps had no relevant effect on the final microstructure.•Final heat treatment temperature determines the glass-ceramic microstructure.•Short heat treatment at the final temperature leads to comparable property values.•Nucleation is a very fast process and crystal growth is rather limited.