BH250-232b

BH250-232b

Reticulite with Pele’s Hair and Strands of Pele's hair

Pele’s Hair is a volcanic phenomenon named after Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes and fire. Though it resembles human hair, it is actually composed of thin, golden, glassy strands of volcanic glass. These strands form during lava fountaining or vigorous lava flows, when molten lava is stretched into long filaments and then rapidly cooled in the air. Pele’s Hair is basaltic in composition and appears as fine, golden threads. It is brittle, sharp, extremely lightweight, and very delicate. Often found alongside it are Pele’s Tears small, rounded beads of volcanic glass such as those shown in BH250-232c photo.

Location: Hawaii, Fissure 8
GPS Locations: 19°27'44.53"N, 154°54'29.61"W

2022

Bereket Haileab

From the rock collection of Bereket Haileab. Sample 232b. Housed at Carleton College in Minnesota.

Bereket Haileab

Hand sample