Volcanic Pipe

Volcanic Pipe

Volcanic pipes are subterranean geological structures formed by the violent, supersonic eruption of deep-origin volcanoes. They are considered to be a type of diatreme. Volcanic pipes are composed of a deep, narrow cone of solidified magma (described as "carrot-shaped"), and are usually largely composed of one of two characteristic rock types — kimberlite or lamproite. These rocks reflect the composition of the volcanoes' deep magma sources, where the Earth is rich in magnesium. Volcanic pipes are relatively rare. They are well known as the primary source of diamonds, and are mined for this purpose.

Read more about Volcanic Pipe:  Formation

Famous quotes containing the words volcanic and/or pipe:

    Pity the planet, all joy gone
    from this sweet volcanic cone;
    Robert Lowell (1917–1977)

    Pan’s Syrinx was a girl indeed,
    Though now she’s turned into a reed;
    From that dear reed Pan’s pipe does come,
    A pipe that strikes Apollo dumb;
    Nor flute, nor lute, nor gittern can
    So chant it, as the pipe of Pan;
    John Lyly (1553–1606)