• Question: Hi James, I was wondering if you could tell me anything interesting about volcanic rock. I also wondered if you had been inside a volcano? Have you ever found crystals inside a volcano?

    Asked by cakeey4 to James on 12 Nov 2013. This question was also asked by selen2003.
    • Photo: James Hickey

      James Hickey answered on 12 Nov 2013:

      Hey cakeey4,

      Interesting volcanic rock fact: A type of volcanic rock called pumice has a large amount of holes in it where gas bubbles used to be when it formed. Because of this, pumice actually floats on water!

      I haven’t been inside an active volcano, no. That would be incredibly dangerous – I don’t think you would make it out alive! You can get quite close though if you have a protective suit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egEGaBXG3Kg

      Or you can go down inside an ancient volcano that is now extinct. This is possible on Iceland. I’ve not been yet, but I intend to go very soon! It would be so cool. You can check it out here: http://www.insidethevolcano.com/

      I haven’t found any crystals inside a volcano myself, but lots of small crystals form when lava and magma cool down and solidify. You can find these in lots of places where ancient volcanoes used to be.

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