It Began With a Bang . . . - Deschutes County, Oregon - Oregon Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

Geology sign about Lava Butte along the Trail of the Molten Land. Sign was installed in October 2011 as part of an ADA upgrade of the trail.

Marker Name: It Began With a Bang. . .
Marker Text: The Formation of Lava Butte
Thousands of years ago, lava exploded out of the ground, igniting a peaceful forest and lighting up the sky in a natural fireworks display. In its early stages, the eruption ejected gas-charged lava into the air. These cinders cooled and fell to the earth, gradually piling up to form a cone known today as Lava Butte. Once most of the gas was released, the eruption slowed and the fire fountain subsided.

What’s in a Name?
Locally referred to as “lava rocks,” the basalt that surrounds you was cooled on the surface of the earth. Igneous rocks come in many forms depending on their mineral content and where they cool and harden. Compared to other rocks like obsidian, basalt is low in silica (glass) making it appear less brilliant, which is why it is often overlooked.

What’s in a Color?
Lava Butte is not a solid structure, it’s a big pile of gas-charged basaltic rocks known as cinders. Depending on factors such as mineral distribution within the rock and atmospheric conditions, cinders (scoria) can be found in shades of red, black, and even iridescent colors.

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