Bandelier National Monument Los Alamos, New Mexico Igneous Rocks

I visited the Bandelier National Monument in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Due to its preserved Pueblo Indian history, ancient ruins, cave dwellings, deep canyons and volcanic mountains, this historical monument is a hot bed for geological exploration. Standing in front of the pictured cave is certainly enough for anyone to wish to gaze inside.

Image Source : https://www.americansouthwest.net/new_mexico/bandelier/national_monument.html

The monument is located on the slopes of the Jemez volcanic field. This allows visitors the opportunity to see the igneous rocks which were formed from the molten materials which have been cooled and solidified. This resulted into the obsidian rocks which can be found on the north west side of the park and is pictured below. The obsidian rock was formed from the molten lava which cooled very quickly. Essentially this gives the rocks a smooth texture and a glossy appearance.

Image Source: https://www.nps.gov/band/learn/nature/obsidian.htm

Due to the high quality of the obsidian used from the Jemez mountains, the indigenous used these igneous rocks to make sharp pointed objects. Based on the physical characteristics of obsidian and its hardness values, it also made the rock perfect for making tools.

Image Source: https://www.nps.gov/band/learn/historyculture/trade.htm

The trip to Bandelier National Monument was one to remember. Given its great Indian history and exponential amount of geological exploration, I would love to visit again someday when I have more time.