Lava is a molten mass of rocks that comes to the surface as a result of volcanic eruptions. For many centuries, the lava stone has been identified with the heart of our planet. This unique substance combines all the natural benefits, magic and power of the Earth, giving rise to life itself.
History and origin
Lava is a stone that is unique in everything, the history of this breed goes deeper than any other nugget. Being the breath of our planet, lava exists exactly as long as the Earth has been spewing magma from its bowels for thousands of years.
It was not in vain that our ancestors attributed immeasurable power, magical and healing power to lava. Once the volcano was considered a point of connection of the four elements - Earth, Fire, Air and Water. Magma, originating in the heart of the planet under the influence of the first two elements, became lava, escaping with a powerful exhalation from distant depths. With the help of the power of Air, the magma cooled down, flowed into the ocean, absorbing the forces of the last of the elements. Today, lava is born in the same way as millions of years ago, bringing with it extraordinary possibilities.
This is interesting! Lava stone is also known by another name - basalt. This name was given to the nugget, based on the peculiarities of its origin, by the African country of Ethiopia. Translated from the local language, "basal" means "boiling". The very word "lava" came into our language from French, as well as Italian about three centuries ago, translated as "sliding", "creeping" or "falling". This name no longer reflects education, but the birth of a stone, its rebirth.
Until it reaches the earth's surface, lava is considered magma. The temperature of the magma before the eruption reaches 2500˚С, and then gradually decreases to 500 degrees. Erupting, magma changes properties under the influence of atmospheric gases, turning into lava. If the streams of hot mass meet a body of water on the way, a powerful explosion occurs.
Gas bubbles often leave voids on the rock surface. Such a porous material turns into pumice. When the lava cools slowly, its top layer forms a crust, under which the other layers remain liquid longer and continue the invisible internal flow. In the middle of the flow, tunnels often form due to the different speed and direction of the flowing mass. Such voids can extend inside the flow for a distance of up to 15 km.
It is known that lava from different areas of origin differs in composition. The volcanic material of island arcs (places where oceanic plates overlap) has an andesitic composition, while the lava of oceanic ridges is predominantly basaltic in composition.
Scientists have long been looking for an answer to the question why some areas give lava of both compositions, while others are remarkable only for basalts. The answer was the theory of tectonic movement of lithospheric plates, where it is said that oceanic crust moves under the island arcs, which, when melted at a certain depth, is erupted by andesitic lava.
Place of Birth
Lava stone originates and is mined wherever volcanoes rise. A feature of the extraction of this stone is that this process depends on the phase of volcanic activity - if the volcano is active, then the deposits are not developed until the masses are finally formed. When it comes to dormant volcanoes, the lava often lies at a certain depth, forming layers. The age of such a rock often dates back to the Precambrian period.
This is interesting! All over the world, enough lava stone is mined for human needs. However, geologists are convinced that the main percentage of the earth's rock reserves are stored in the Pacific Ocean floor. It is proved that the basis of the formation of the Hawaiian Islands is basalt rocks. But, so far, there is no need to develop the ocean depths.
Locations for mining lava stone:
- Iceland.
- India.
- Greenland.
- North and South America.
- South Africa.
- Ethiopia.
- Australia.
- Tasmania.
- China.
- Italy.
Any island with a volcanic peak contains an excess supply of lava stone. Russia, as a storehouse of unique stones, is also rich in basalt. Lava is mined in the north of the country (Kamchatka).
physical properties
Lava is a porous stone, predominantly black or dark gray in color, with a fine-grained structure. The composition of the breed differs depending on the origin. Dozens of chemical elements are collected in each type of stone, but iron, aluminum, magnesium, silicon and oxygen have an advantage.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Composition | SiO2 approx. 40 to 95% |
| lava temperature | from 500 to 1200 ° C (up to 2500 ° C at the time of pouring and a short period of time after) |
The chemical composition and temperature of formation affect the viscosity and fluidity of the lava. The predominance of quartz makes the lava thick, the mass flows slowly, solidifies in the form of mounds. The absence of silicon dioxide gives free rein to lava flows - liquid in consistency, such a substance spreads rapidly, forming lava plateaus, covers and lakes. Such a stone is less porous, as it is quickly released from the gases that saturate it.
Varieties and colors
Different volcanoes erupt volcanic material of different composition, temperature, color. The composition distinguishes three types of lava:
- Basalt. This species is considered the main one. In basalts, 50% of the chemical composition is occupied by silicon dioxide, the remaining half consists of oxides of various metals, including iron, aluminum, and magnesium. The flow velocity of such a substance reaches 2 m/s, and the temperature is 1300˚С, which causes a many-kilometer-long, but thin covering of the earth's surface. The color of not yet solidified basalt is yellow or red-yellow.
- Silicon. It is a viscous volcanic material with a temperature of about 900°C. The flow rate is low, only a few meters per day. Viscosity and low fluidity causes a higher percentage of silica than in basalts - from 53 to 62. When a part of silicon dioxide reaches 65%, the lava becomes even slower. A feature of silicon lava is the solidification of the material even before leaving the crater. The lava solidified inside tends to clog the vent, resulting in a violent explosion as the eruption resumes. The color of hot silicon lava is black with a hint of red. Silicon masses quickly harden before crystallizing, forming black volcanic glass.
- Carbonate. This species is notable for the fact that it erupts from the only volcano on our planet - the Tanzanian Oldoinyo Lengai. Half of the composition is occupied by potassium and sodium carbonates. This lava is considered cold and the most fluid, almost like water. The temperature of carbonate volcanic material does not exceed 600°C. Hot lava of this type is usually dark brown or black. However, after complete cooling, the rock changes color to white, becomes brittle, soft and soluble in water.
Lava is also classified according to the forms of solidification. Distinguish:
- Aa-lavu is a stream torn apart, solidifying into separate blocks.
- Lava pillows or pillow lava is volcanic material that has solidified on the ocean floor in pillow-like bodies.
- Pahoehoe lava is a Hawaiian name meaning smooth, swollen, or undulating lava.
There is also a difference in basalt lavas according to some criteria, the main of which are color, structure and application. This classification is more industrial than scientific:
- Asian. A dark gray stone used in architecture as well as in the manufacture of jewelry.
- Basaltina. This variety was known to the ancient Romans. Basaltina is considered a more expensive variety, as it is durable and retains its original appearance for a long time. Used in sculpture. It looks like limestone.
- Twilight basalt. The birthplace of this stone is China. The rock is used in construction, as among all varieties it is the most durable and has the best resistance to atmospheric factors. The color of the stone is black or gray in dark tones. It is also used in the manufacture of jewelry.
- Green Moorish basalt. The nugget contains unusual inclusions that give the stone a rich green color. Thanks to this, this variety looks noble and expensive in jewelry.
Each of the varieties of stone is used in different areas - esotericism, lithotherapy, industry and the jewelry industry.
Healing abilities
Lava stone is popular with healers as a massage tool. Balls made of a mineral, when exposed to massage movements, help get rid of blockage of blood vessels, alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins, joint diseases. Also, volcanic rock is used in the fight against cellulite.
Meditation using basalt is considered useful. It helps to reboot the body at all levels, giving the body and mind a rest from excessive vital activity.
Lava stone stabilizes the emotional background even when wearing a nugget every day. The mineral will endow a person with lightness, fill it with energy, relieve fatigue, and transfer to the owner all the deep power of the earth. Ancient healers made lava powder, using it to heal wounds.
Magical properties
It is not surprising that the heart and breath of the planet has a strong magic, helping a person at all levels of consciousness and subconsciousness. Lava is responsible for the root chakra - the basis of the activity of other chakras, connecting the energy of a person with the energy of the Earth. The lava stone itself is energetically both feminine and masculine. Rough lava carries Yang energy, while smooth, flowing lava carries Yin properties.
Lava is considered the oldest home amulet used by tribes around the world. If you want to protect your home from trouble or uninvited guests, put pieces of lava stone at the entrance to the house or store mineral jewelry as close as possible to the entrance.
Wearing basalt harmonizes the inner world of a person. Thanks to this, the owner of the stone learns to understand himself and his own thoughts, desires, dreams. Contact with a stone sharpens intuition, teaches how to correctly interpret the messages of fate, dreams, signs. A person feels unity with himself and nature, reveals talents, gains wisdom, which must be directed to the implementation of the most daring plans.
It is also believed that one of its physical properties - fluidity, lava transfers to the owner. This allows a person to become flexible, morally plastic, adapt to any course of circumstances, while not losing sight of the intended goals. Thanks to these properties, the personality is open to everything new, while the talisman protects from mistakes and wrong actions.
Since ancient times, the lava nugget has been considered a stone of knowledge. If someone seeks to acquire new knowledge, it is necessary to carry a basalt talisman with you. The stone contributes to the clarification of thoughts, the disclosure of mental abilities. It is easier for a person to concentrate on work and achieve excellence in the study of the chosen science.
Lava will become a sacred talisman that will surely bring positive changes. This stone does not like stagnation, peace is alien to him. With the arrival in the life of any person, the lava stone will constantly push the owner to move, take decisive action, to achieve goals.
Applications
Lava turned out to be a multifunctional material for humans. Our ancestors assigned lava to special stones. When excavating ancient settlements, archaeologists found not only decorations, but also tools, masks, and ritual attributes.
The areas of use of the nugget are diverse:
- Lithotherapy. Massage balls are made from stone.
- Decor. Aquariums are decorated with lava stone. The mineral serves not only as a beautiful addition - due to the presence of lava, water circulates better, while being filled with all the useful chemical components.
- Grill. Expensive grills work with lava, not coal. This stone is better at maintaining heat and warmth.
Stone specialists classified as basalt a mixture of basaltic lava with ash, which solidifies instantly after the eruption. Such basalt has found application in construction, as it has valuable characteristics - strength, sound insulation, thermal conductivity, fire resistance, durability. Slabs, basalt wool are made from it, the remains are crushed, adding to asphalt and concrete.
The floor, fireplaces, facades of buildings and tombstones are laid out with volcanic stone. The only disadvantage of the basalt floor is that over time the stone is polished to an icy slip. In addition, basalt is used by sculptors, furniture makers, and clothing designers. Jewelers create beautiful silver jewelry with black stone. And although lava products are not so popular today, craftsmen still make beautiful jewelry.
Jewelry with mineral
Lava stone is an affordable material, so products with this mineral are affordable. The average cost of jewelry is as follows:
- Bracelet - 5 euros.
- Earrings - 8-10 euros.
- Beads from a mix of stones (pearl, agate, lava) - 25-35 euros.
Care instructions
There are no special requirements for the use of stone. From an energetic point of view, it is useful to wear a stone in constant contact with the human body. Cleaning and unloading is carried out every 30 days using large salt crystals. After the mineral is charged under the sun's rays. It is recommended to store the nugget next to rock crystal.
Astrological Compatibility
("+++" - the stone fits perfectly, "+" - can be worn, "-" - absolutely contraindicated):
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Aries | + + + |
| Taurus | + |
| Gemini | + + + |
| Cancer | + |
| a lion | + + + |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | + + + |
| Scorpio | + + + |
| Sagittarius | + |
| Capricorn | + + + |
| Aquarius | + |
| Pisces | + |
Astrologers are unanimous in their opinion that the creation of a volcano suits all signs of the Zodiac, without exception. But like other minerals, lava stone has an attachment to certain constellations - these are Leo, Libra, Capricorn, Aries, Scorpio, and also Gemini. People born under these signs will feel good luck in the implementation of plans, and will also be able to quickly assimilate the experience gained, thereby gaining life wisdom in the shortest possible time.
Interesting Facts
One night in 1977, the Nyiragongo volcano erupted in South Africa. The explosion was so powerful that the walls of the crater cracked. The lava of this volcano was very liquid, this swift stream rushed at a speed of 17 meters per second. Several nearby villages with sleeping residents had no chance of escaping that night.
In addition to the high temperature and high speed of the flow of hot substance, during a volcanic eruption, clubs of ash, cameos and poisonous gases are ejected to the surface. Such a volcanic mixture once wiped out the majestic cities of the Romans - Herculaneum and Pompeii.
In Iceland, a case is known when lava flows under a frozen upper crust continued to move unseen, remaining hot for several centuries.
