This image is not from any Si-Fi movie scene but, actually a type of lava, also called ‘blue lava’. This photographs is taken by a French photographer Olivier Grunewald taken at Kawah Ijen volcano on the island of Java in Indonesia.
what cases this lava color ‘blue’? Well the answer lies in it’s composition. Blue lava is produced when certain types of volcanic activity produce molten rock with a bluish tint. This captivating display of blue-hued lava is not a result of the lava itself being blue but is often due to the presence of certain minerals or gases.
One common explanation for blue lava is the presence of sulfuric compounds in the volcanic gases. When these gases come into contact with the intense heat of the lava flow and combust, they can produce a blue flame. As the molten rock carries the ignited gases, it imparts a blue glow to the flowing lava.
An example of this mesmerizing phenomenon can be found at the Kawah Ijen volcano in Indonesia as shown in above photo. The volcano has a sulfuric crater lake, and when the sulfuric gases come into contact with the lava during eruptions, they can create a stunning display of blue flames. The blue lava at Kawah Ijen is a popular attraction for tourists and photographers.
It’s important to note that the occurrence of blue lava is not universal at all volcanic eruptions, and its presence depends on specific geological and chemical conditions. The exact colors and mechanisms behind colored lava can vary, and scientists continue to study these phenomena to gain a better understanding of volcanic processes.
