The Chimney Roane

Part of Hall of Planet Earth.

Chimney Roane AMNH/R. Mickens

Roane contains a complex series of interconnected channels and isolated voids.  Some of the channels are lined with the yellow, metallic copper-iron sulfide chalcopyrite, which forms only at temperatures approaching 300 degrees Centigrade.  The small black crystals lining most of the channels are the zinc sulfide wurtzite, which forms at a lower temperature.  The temperature of the water seeping from the top of Roane was 196 degrees Centigrade.

AMNH collection