Iceland is a geologically active country with 35 active volcanoes and incredible tectonic activity. This is due to Iceland's location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where two of Earth’s plates, the Eurasian and North American plates, meet. The melting and separating of the plates pull apart part of the ridge, creating new crust and oceanic spreading ridges. This process gives rise to the seismic activity that occurs in Iceland and the volcanic eruptions that have happened over time.

Iceland is also home to a hot spot of intense geothermal activity caused by molten rock beneath the Earth's surface. The hot spot in Iceland is located beneath the island, resulting in Iceland’s large volcanoes and geysers. In addition, earthquakes are often felt near these areas due to the tectonic activity of the region.

The geology of Iceland has helped shape its culture and landscape over centuries and continues to be an important part of its identity. With so much geologic activity occurring in such a small area, it's no wonder Iceland is known as "The Land of Fire and Ice."

The Grimsnes Volcanic Field formed through fissure eruptions produced through a series of eruptions that occurred some eight to ten thousand years ago in Iceland. During fissure eruptions, scoria forms from the stiff lava fragments ejected from the lava fountains. Spatter is another type of volcanic material that comes from the spray of lava fountains. The main difference is that the spatter tends to form larger, flatter masses resembling pancakes.

This specimen is exceptional because the front resembles a "spatter pancake," and the back has a lot of the classic scoria appearance.

Size of the specimen: 132mm H X 135mm W X 70mm D, Weight: 471 grams.

This fantastic, large specimen from Iceland ships with a Certificate of Authenticity, tag, tag stand, and information about the specimen. It was legally collected and is from a scientific collection.

Great to add to your geology collection or wow your classroom students with this volcanic scoria from one of Earth's premiere hot spots - Iceland!

This scientific material is Guaranteed Authentic. It was professionally and legally collected and arrives with a Certificate of Authenticity.