Does lava become harden rock after it cools, and can it be polished? Is it possible to make a sand casting and pour lava into it to make a statue? are there any active lava flows in the continental United States?

Bill

Dear Bill,

Lava becomes hard as it solidifies. I have never seen it polished but the naturally surface is very shiny because it is glassy. It is possible to pour lava into a sand cast to make statues. I have seen casts about 3x2x1 foot in size made from lava. The best place to do this would be Hawaii. You might contact the Volcano Art Center on the Island of Hawaii.

Steve Mattox, University of North Dakota

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