[Rockhounds] Rare Magma Discovered as Volcano Sinks — Could This Lead to New Dangers?

[Kreigh Tomaszewski]

Ol Doinyo Lengai stands out among the world’s volcanoes for one
extraordinary reason : it is the only active volcano known to produce
carbonatite magma. This rare type of magma has an unusually low silica
content, typically less than 25%, compared to the 45-70% found in other
terrestrial magmas.

The peculiar composition of carbonatite magma results in some truly
remarkable properties :

   - Extremely fluid consistency, often compared to water
   - Rapid flow rates during eruptions
   - Strange, fountain-like eruption patterns
   - Quick color transformation from dark to white upon cooling

These characteristics create a spectacle unlike any other on Earth.
Observers have described the lava flows as resembling *jets from a garden
hose*, a far cry from the slow-moving rivers of molten rock associated with
typical volcanoes.

The unique chemical composition of Ol Doinyo Lengai’s magma also leads to
fascinating post-eruption transformations. Initially appearing black or
dark gray, the lava rapidly turns white as it cools and dries. This color
change occurs due to the formation of carbonate minerals like calcite,
which quickly break down when exposed to moisture.

https://indiandefencereview.com/rare-magma-discovered-as-volcano-sinks-could-this-lead-to-new-dangers/