Opens in a new tab

Letter HGeology glossary

Hyaloclastite

Hyaloclastite is a volcanic rock formed by the rapid cooling and fracturing of lava upon contact with water, typically during submarine or subglacial eruptions. This rock is composed of glassy fragments and is important in understanding volcanic processes in underwater or glaciated environments and the interactions between lava and water.

Geologist hammer on greenish pillow lava rocks (hyaloclastite)
Fig. 1 Geologist hammer on greenish pillow lava rocks (hyaloclastite)

Source Fisher, R. V., & Schmincke, H.-U. (1984). Pyroclastic Rocks. Springer.

join.me

Geology made clear, in your inbox.

Get clear, visual explainers on rocks, minerals, deep time, and the most fascinating parts of Earth science from Geoscopy.