Volcanic Bomb (Spindle Bomb)

3D Model

A Volcanic Bomb is a mass of molten ejecta, typically greater than 64mm in diameter, which is formed during a volcanic eruption. Blobs of viscous lava are ejected during an eruption and cool as they travel through the air (resulting in some acquiring aerodynamic shapes), solidifying before hitting the ground.

Spindle bombs, such as this particular specimen, acquire their unique appearance by spinning as they travel through the air, with the still ductile lava stretching back during the bomb’s flight, forming a tail, resulting in an elongated shape.

The specimen is ~24cm x 9cm

Specimen supplied by: Possibly part of the Queensland Museum collection? (I kind of just borrowed it from a classroom display cabinets…)