At Indonesia’s Kawah Ijen volcano, a unique blue glow captivates visitors at night. Unlike typical volcanoes where lava shines red, Kawah Ijen’s molten sulfur burns with an electric blue fire, creating a surreal scene.
This blue phenomenon has gained global attention, attracting scientists and photographers. But what causes this otherworldly glow? It’s not the lava that produces the blue flames. Instead, they result from sulfuric gases that emerge from the volcano’s cracks. These gases, which reach over 600°C, ignite when they meet oxygen in the air, creating bright blue flames.
The term “blue lava” is a bit misleading. While it looks like lava, it’s actually burning sulfur that creates this vivid glow. The flames burn intensely, mimicking the appearance of flowing lava.
As this sulfur burns, it condenses into a liquid, flowing down the slopes of the volcano like a “river of fire.” This rare occurrence—known as a cerulean eruption—adds an extraordinary visual element to Kawah Ijen, making it one of the most famous sites for such displays. Other locations, like Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression, experience similar eruptions, but Kawah Ijen stands out for its stunning blue flames.
Photographers capture this spectacle, often describing it as surreal. For example, Thomas Fuhrmann, who photographed the scene in 2018, said it felt like a moment from science fiction.
However, the beauty of Kawah Ijen comes with a darker side. Local miners, known for their resilience, brave toxic conditions to extract sulfur. A study published in Toxicology Reports highlights the dangers they face, often using only damp cloths for protection against harmful fumes and smoke. They collect solidified sulfur and carry it up steep paths, risking their health for what is called “Devil’s Gold,” a vital resource used in fertilizers and chemical manufacturing.
The allure of Kawah Ijen extends beyond its beauty. Understanding the science, the miners’ struggles, and the volcano’s unusual displays sheds light on the complex relationship between nature and human endeavor. For more insights into volcanic activity and its effects, explore resources from the United States Geological Survey.
