Why Is Lava Different Colors? - Volcano World - Oregon State University

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1. Volcano World
2. Why Is Lava Different Colors?

Why is lava different colors?

The color of lava depends on its temperature. It starts out bright orange (1000-1150 C). As it cools the color changes to bright red (800-1000 C), then do dark red (650-800 C), and to brownish red (500-650 C). Solid lava is black (but can still be very hot).

Category Lava