An erebus crystal

An erebus crystal is a crystal of anorthoclase (a type of feldspar) found in the immediate area surrounding Mount Erebus near McMurdo Station, Antarctica.[1] This type of feldspar is rich in sodium, potassium, and aluminium silicate.[1][2] Similar crystals have also been reported on Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro.[3]

Though the formation and growth of these crystals is not well understood,[1] it is evident that the crystals grow in the magma beneath Mount Erebus and are ejected out of the mountain encased in glassy volcanic bombs. This glass structure quickly weathers away leaving the mountainside covered in crystals.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 The Antarctic Sun: Mount Erebus Throws Fit (Page 2)
  2. 1 2 Origins: Antarctica: Field Notes: Five Senses on Erebus
  3. ↑ Mountain, E.D. (17 March 1925). "Potash-oligoclase from Mt. Erebus, Antarctic, and anorthoclase from Mt. Kenya, East Africa" (PDF).
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