Basalt columns of Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

© Olimpio Fantuz/eStock Phot

Rocks rock!. International Rock Day

Today is International Rock Day and we’re giving due respect to these geological wonders. It might seem odd to sing the praises of rock, but think about it. Rocks have been with humankind since the beginning. From tools to housing to weapons, they’ve been key to our survival. A period of our history was so reliant on rocks that it will be forever known as the Stone Age. We would not be where we are today without the many minerals found on our planet, so rock on!

To celebrate, we’re going to focus on one marvellous rock in particular: basalt, the most abundant volcanic rock on Earth. Here at the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, there are roughly 40,000 interlocking hexagonal columns of basalt formed after an ancient eruption. According to one Gaelic legend, however, this was built as a battleground for two giants, Ireland’s Finn MacCool and Scotland’s Benandonner. Another legend suggests MacCool built the causeway to cross the North Channel to meet a Scottish lover.

Revered as one of the United Kingdom’s greatest natural wonders, the Giant’s Causeway is among the most popular tourist spots in Northern Ireland. If you can’t make the journey, thanks to the way basalt naturally forms these polygonal columns, you could find some to construct a walkway of cobblestones to battle your own giants. At the very least, you’d have a sturdy rock that lasts the test of time.