Results: A Piece of the Rock

Fly Geyser located in Nevada on the edge of Black Rock Desert is actually man-made, by accident. It is shaped like a series of melting Hershey's Kisses. It was created accidentally in 1964 after a geothermal power company drilled a test well at the site. According to later newspaper reports, the well was either left uncapped or improperly plugged. Scalding hot water shot from the well hole and calcium carbonate deposits began to form, growing several inches each year. Those deposits have become three large mounds almost 6 feet tall and are brightly colored green and red. The 3 cones still spew scalding hot water about four or five feet into the air. According to scientists familiar with the geyser, the coloring is the result of thermophilic algae, which flourishes in moist, hot environments. Have you seen this unusual formation or any similar?

The Richat Structure - This rock formation, also known as the eye of the Sahara, is an elliptical dome in Mauritania (Northwest Africa). The deep erosion of the sedimentary rock has formed concentric rings that give the appearance of an iris and pupil emerging from the desert sands. Do you think this looks similar to an eye?

Orpiment is a bright yellow rock that smells like garlic. The scent comes from high concentrations of arsenic in its deposits. The Chinese used it extensively in ancient warfare. It was crushed into dust and then coated upon arrows to make deadly projectiles for battle. I have collected a few brightly colored rocks that make nice conversation pieces. Do you have any awesome rocks that you have collected?

Fingal's Cave is a Scottish sea cave formed by jointed basalt columns within a lava flow. The inside and outside have geometric columns that look like carefully crafted architecture. The ancient Celts called it "The Cave of Melody" because of the eerie acoustics of nearby crashing waves that reverberate throughout it that seemed almost like standing inside a cathedral. Do you have any "cave" adventures you would like to share?