TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet


Bomba volcánica

Bomba volcánica is a mineral with formula . This specimen comes from Isla de Elba, Portoferraio, Toscana, Italia and joined the Terrium collection in 1992.

Bomba volcánica from Isla de Elba, Portoferraio, Toscana, Italia — Terrium

Description

Volcanic bomb with a central cavity lined by dog-tooth calcite crystals and black acicular crystals, possibly augite or hornblende. The cavity shows a green coating, probably olivine. Marked greenish-yellow fluorescence and phosphorescence.

About Bomba volcánica

It is not defined by a specific mineral species but by its origin: a volcanic bomb ejected into the air that cools, forming an internal cavity. Within, vapours and element-rich fluids generate diverse secondary crystallisations. Its interest lies there, as an uncommon and visually powerful phenomenon.

About the locality

The island of Elba, in Tuscany, Italy, is known for its geological richness. Some of its volcanic formations contain bombs with internal cavities that crystallise a variety of secondary minerals, often fluorescent.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0077
Name
Bomba volcánica
Category
Cavella
Matrix
Bomba volcánica
Associations
calcita augita olivino hornblenda hematites
Mine
Isla de Elba
District / Municipality
Portoferraio
Province
Toscana
Country
Italia
Size (cm)
7.5 x 7 x 6
Weight
165.9 g
Acquired
1992
Ex-collection
Marcos Velasco > Fran Becerra
Etymology
From the Italian "bomba", a volcanic projectile that solidifies in the air. Its interior may form a geode through uneven cooling and subsequent mineral infiltration.
Quality
Muy buena
Value trend
Estable

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