Antarctic volcano spews $6,000 worth of gold dust daily

Erebus, an active volcano in Antarctica, emits golden dust every day. According to the New York Post, it's estimated to release about 2.8 ounces of crystallized gold daily, valued at nearly $6,000. But the golden dust isn't the only thing Erebus is known for, and accessing it is quite challenging.

Located off the coast of East Antarctica on Ross Island, Erebus is the most active volcano in Antarctica and the southernmost active volcano on Earth. It was discovered in 1841 by Scottish explorer James Clark Ross. Its peak, standing 12,448 feet above sea level, was first reached in 1908 by Welsh-Australian geologist Edgeworth David during the Nimrod Expedition.

Within the crater's summit, there's a lava lake from which the volcano regularly spews gas plumes and steam. It's also known for erupting volcanic bombs—spindle-shaped pyroclastic material. These can vary in size, with some reaching several meters in length and weighing up to 220 tons. Yet, it's the daily emission of golden dust that most captivates scientists.

Researchers have found that Erebus releases tiny gold crystals, no larger than 20 micrometres in diameter, daily. This amounts to about 2.8 ounces of gold daily, valued at approximately $6,000 (or over 24,000 zlotys). IFL Science notes that traces of gold have been detected in the air, even 621 miles from the volcano.

This implies the gold crystals can travel far, suspended in the air. Recovering this gold isn't economically feasible yet, but future methods might make it both possible and profitable.

While other volcanoes also emit gold, Mount Erebus is unique for releasing it in metallic form, which intrigues researchers. One theory is that the metal crystallizes on the lava lake's hard crust. Focus explains that the slow emission of gas allows the gold grains to grow for several hours before they're carried into the atmosphere.