Dear Cory,
Sorry for the delay in answering your question.
Lava will not melt everything. Just last week I dipped a hammer in a flow and the hammer came out fine. Lava tends to chill against colder objects (almost everything) it comes in contact with and form a glassy rind. The glass helps protect the object from the full heat of the lava.
I know the guy you a referring to. Yes, he does touch lava but he is wearing gloves and several "tricks" are involved. His luck will run out someday. Unfortunately, park rangers will have to risk their lives to help him. Without thinking hard I can think of 5 ways he could die almost instantly.
Bottom line - the lava is very hot. Treat it with respect.
Steve Mattox, University of North Dakota
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