Lava Cast (Mold)

Lava burned and injected into the surface of a fallen tree that was partially buried in lava. The flange shapes on this specimen most likely follow the shape of the wood's bark and grain. The tree no longer exists but this mold remains.

Collected in 1962 from the South Flank of Mt. St. Helens. In the past, this area has been called the "lava cast forest" and is currently called the "trail of two forests".

Mt. Saint Helens, Skamania County, Washington, USA. Donated by Asahel Bush.