Based on scientific understanding and material properties, you can store lava in glass or block the lava by using glass blocks.
Why Glass Can Contain Lava
Lava, which is molten rock expelled by a volcano during an eruption, reaches extremely high temperatures. However, the temperature of lava liquid is typically a maximum of 1200°C. Materials like glass are made from substances such as liquid sand and require a much higher temperature to melt.
As the provided reference states:
- Glass is a non-flammable material.
- It is made from liquid sand that melts at a high temperature of 1700°C.
- So, glass cannot be melted by lava (the temperature of lava liquid is max 1200°C).
This significant difference in melting points makes glass a viable material for containing or diverting lava flows.
Comparing Temperatures
| Material | Melting Point (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Lava | Max 1200°C |
| Glass | 1700°C |
Because the melting point of glass (1700°C) is considerably higher than the maximum temperature of lava (1200°C), glass remains solid and stable even when in contact with molten rock.
Practical Applications
Using glass or glass blocks isn't about pouring lava into a typical household glass container. Instead, it refers to using sturdy, appropriately engineered glass structures or barriers in controlled environments or scientific experiments.
Examples include:
- Scientific Containment: Creating specialized, heat-resistant glass containers for studying small samples of cooled or cooling lava in a lab.
- Protective Barriers: In scenarios involving controlled lava flow (e.g., geological experiments or potential diversion strategies), reinforced glass barriers or blocks could hypothetically be used, although more common large-scale methods involve earthworks or water cooling.
- Educational Displays: Creating sealed, reinforced glass exhibits to safely display cooled or simulated lava materials.
In summary, the material properties of glass, specifically its high melting point and non-flammability, make it capable of withstanding the heat of lava, allowing for its containment or blocking in specific applications.
