Ol Doinyo Lengai

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Ol Doinyo Lengai

Image of 1966 eruption
Elevation 2,960 m (9,711 ft)
Location Tanzania
Coordinates 2°45′5″S, 35°54′8″E
Type Stratovolcano
Last eruption 2006 (continuing)

Ol Doinyo Lengai is a volcano located in Tanzania and is part of the volcanic system of the Great Rift Valley in eastern Africa. Ol Doinyo Lengai is unique among volcanoes in that it produces natro-carbonititic lava, an unusual type of carbonatite.

Main article: natro-carbonititic lava

Whereas most lavas are rich in silicate minerals, the lava of Ol Doinya Lengai is rich in the rare sodium and potassium carbonates, nyerereite and gregoryite. Due to this unusual composition, the lava is erupted at relatively low temperatures (approximately 500-600 degrees Celsius). This temperature is so low that the molten lava appears black in sunlight, rather than having the red glow common to most lavas. It is also much more fluid than silicate lavas. The sodium and potassium carbonate minerals of the lavas formed by Ol Doinyo Lengai are unstable at the Earth's surface and susceptible to rapid weathering, quickly turning from black to grey in color. The resulting volcanic landscape is different from any other in the world. The chemical makeup of the lava has been compared to dish soap.

"Ol Doinyo Lengai" means "Mountain of God" in the language of the native Masai people.

The most recent eruption took place on the 27th of March 2006.

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