Icelandite Mid-Atlantic Ridge Þingvellir [Iceland]

Geological Significance of Icelandite Þingvellir, Iceland

Icelandite is a specific sub-variety of andesite, a volcanic rock closely associated with basalt. This remarkable specimen was collected at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge on land that runs through Þingvellir, Iceland. Iceland is a place of immense geological significance, located in the rift valley where the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is prominently displayed.

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is primarily a submarine ridge situated on the Atlantic Ocean floor. It is part of a vast ocean ridge system that spans the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, stretching approximately 52,000 miles and resembling a baseball's seam wrapped around the Earth. Only about 10% of this impressive submarine ridge mountain system can be viewed on land, making Iceland a unique location for geological studies.

Composition and Characteristics

Icelandite is an intermediate volcanic rock containing phenocrysts of andesine, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, pigeonite, and, less commonly, olivine in a groundmass of the same minerals. It differs chemically from typical orogenic andesite by being poorer in aluminum and richer in iron. Icelandite has been described as the "closest thing on Earth to the rocks found at the Mars Pathfinder landing site."

Product Details

• Specimen Size: 42mm L X 32mm W X 12mm D.
• What's Included: Ships with a Certificate of Authenticity, information, tag, and tag stand. The wooden display stand and photo cube are not included.
• Legally Collected: Collected in 1998 by a geologist and obtained from a scientific estate collection in 2002.

Comparing the Geological Processes on Earth and Mars

Location Versus Formation

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by the separation of tectonic plates along the Atlantic Ocean floor. It stretches for about 52,000 miles (84,000 kilometers) and is mostly submerged, with some parts visible on land, such as in Iceland.

Valles Marineris is a colossal canyon system on Mars, extending over 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) in length, up to 200 kilometers (125 miles) in width, and reaching depths of 7 kilometers (4.3 miles). This Martian feature likely formed through a combination of tectonic movements, erosion, and volcanic activity.

Size and Scale

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a significant underwater feature, with a width ranging from 50 to 75 miles (80 to 120 kilometers). In comparison, Valles Marineris is one of the largest canyon systems in the solar system, far surpassing the size of Earth's Grand Canyon.

Geological Activity

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is an active geological site where new oceanic crust is continuously created, leading to frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Conversely, Valles Marineris is currently inactive, with its formation attributed to ancient geological processes.

Visibility and Exploration

While most of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge lies beneath the ocean, making exploration challenging, some sections are accessible on land in Iceland. Valles Marineris, fully exposed on the Martian surface, has been extensively studied through satellite imagery and data from Mars missions.

Add Unique Icelandite Volcanic Rock to Your Collection

Don't miss the opportunity to own this exceptional piece of Iceland's geological history. Add this unique Icelandite specimen to your collection today and appreciate the natural beauty and scientific significance it brings.

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