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Volcanic Bombs

Part of Hall of Planet Earth.

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Volcanic bombs form during many eruptions. The patinas of reddish brown or bluish iridescence formed when the bombs’ outer layer reacted with the oxygen in the atmosphere.

In This Section

Exhibit Spindle bomb While still airborne, a molten blob of magma twisted through the air, stretching and bending itself into this formation, known as... Exhibit Cored bomb This bomb formed around a nugget of chilled rock. Exhibit Bread crust bomb This bomb’s exterior is filled with gas bubbles. Exhibit Cannonball bomb When the bomb hits the ground and hurtles down the slope, making a whirring noise, its corners become sheared, and the hardened form...