Basalt is a common volcanic rock formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava exposed at or very near the surface of our planet. Jointed basalt columns, as the most famous and most beautiful basalt formations, exists on many places on earth.

These unusual columns are predominantly hexagonal in cross-section, but basalt polygons with three to twelve or more sides can be observed.

1. Litlanesfoss, Iceland

Litlanesfoss is a waterfall located in East Iceland about 30 km (19 mi) from Egilstaddir. It is about halfway up the canyon to Hengifoss (another waterfall) and is surrounded by chutes and columns of basalt extending in strange directions. The river continues into Lagarfljot (lake) a couple of kilometers below. This place is definitely unforgettable sight from Iceland. [map] is a waterfall located in East Iceland about 30 km (19 mi) from Egilstaddir. It is about halfway up the canyon to Hengifoss (another waterfall) and is surrounded by chutes and columns of basalt extending in strange directions. The river continues into Lagarfljot (lake) a couple of kilometers below. This place is definitely unforgettable sight from Iceland. [ link





2. Sea Cave on the Akun Island, Alaska, USA

Akun Island, one of the Fox Islands subgroup of the Aleutian Islands in southwestern Alaska, USA. Many of the islands of the Aleutians are made up of columnar basalt. Akun Island is also mostly composed of basalt and has several sea caves like this one. [ This wonderful cave is located on the, one of the Fox Islands subgroup of the Aleutian Islands in southwestern Alaska, USA. Many of the islands of the Aleutians are made up of columnar basalt. Akun Island is also mostly composed of basalt and has several sea caves like this one. [ map

3. Ghenh Da Dia, Vietnam

With natural stones, strangely structured rocks, columns or obliques of frozen mineral flows, Ghenh Da Dia (Rapids of Stone Plates) is considered as a masterpiece of stone gifted by the nature.

Ghenh Da Dia is strangely structured rocks include large upright stones equally arranged in a star pattern. Being a riddle of nature, like a giant jigsaw, the rapids is irritatingly made of the same shaped pieces, and forms a solidified structure that has proved more than just a curiosity for thousands.

map] The stones in Ghenh Da Dia are bazan stones of dark black and light yellow. There exists large stones of tons and small stones with different shapes: round, pentagon, polygon and so on. The stones take the right column or a settlement close to each other like disks arranged on couples together. Even counting the stone columns has failed to yield an exact figure as exhausted researchers usually call a halt at around 35,000. The stones are 60-80cm (2-2,5 ft) in visible height and 20-30cm (8-12 inches) across and cluster round a small fresh water pond that is fed by underground rivers and never dries up. [ link

4. Takachiho Gorge, Japan

The Takachiho Gorge is a V-shaped gorge, created by the Gokase-gawa River, which eroded the Aso lava. Red-tinted precipitous cliffs rising up on both sides of the gorge extend for a long distance. Manai-no-taki Falls, 17 meters (56 ft) high, is a popular highlight because of the clouds of spray that rise up from the falling water.

map] The gorge has a 600-meter (1,970 ft) long walking trail, which is decorated with mountain cherry blossoms and the flowers of Japanese azaleas and wisteria from spring till early summer, and red and yellow leaves in fall. Thus, you can enjoy fine views of the four seasons. [ link

5. Los Organos, Canary Islands, Spain

The beautifully formed rock formations Los Organos, on the northern coast of La Gomera, are considered to be one of the most beautiful basalt formations on the Canary Islands. The slender cliffs rise up out of the sea to a height of 800 metres (2,600 ft) and a width of 200m (650 ft).

The pillars, which look very similar to organ pipes, are the remains of vast lava masses of a once powerful volcano. Over time, erosion exposed the rocks, forming them to a natural work of art.

boat tour. [map] The perfect basalt pillars rise from the Atlantic like giant organ pipes. They are surrounded by high waves and white sea spray. Because the cliffs drop steeply into the sea, the only way to see Los Òrganos in all their might, is by taking a. [ link

6. Jusangjeolli Cliffs, South Korea

The Jusangjeolli cliff is a spectacular volcanic rock formation at the southern coast of Jeju Island, South Korea. With almost perfect hexagonal columns, referred to by the locals as ‘Jisatgae Rocks,’ jutting 20 meters (66 ft) into the sky, the cliffs run for 2 km (1.25 mi) along the Daepo coast near the Jungmun tourist complex.

map] From the observation deck above, the rock formations are countless and even though there has been much corrosion and weathering caused by the ceaseless beating of the ocean the columns stand strong and fortified. [ link





7. Garni Gorge, Armenia

The Garni Gorge is situated 23 km (14 mi) east of Yerevan, Armenia, just below the village with the same name. On a promontory above the gorge, the 1st century AD Garni temple may be seen.

Along the sides of the gorge are cliff walls of well preserved basalt columns, carved out by the Goght River.

This portion of the Garni Gorge is typically referred to as the "Symphony of the Stones".

To get to the bottom of the gorge's breathtaking vertical cliffs visitors must walk or take a car, as the local buses in the area do not make trips down there. The cliffs themselves are extremely beautiful, consisting mainly of well preserved basalt columns. The orderly octagonal columns look almost man-made.

[

,

]

8. Fingal's Cave, UK

Fingal's Cave is a sea cave on the uninhabited island of Staffa, in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, part of a National Nature Reserve owned by the National Trust for Scotland. It is formed entirely from hexagonally jointed basalt columns.

Its size and naturally arched roof, and the eerie sounds produced by the echoes of waves, give it the atmosphere of a natural cathedral. The cave's Gaelic name, An Uaimh Bhinn, means "the melodious cave".

The cave has a large arched entrance and is filled by the sea. Several local companies include a pass by the cave in sightseeing cruises from April to September.

map] However, it is also possible to land elsewhere on the island and walk to the cave overland, where a row of fractured columns forms a walkway just above high-water level permitting exploration on foot. [ link

9. Giant's Causeway, UK