Mount Erebus Volcano Emits Gold Dust Daily in Antarctica

Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on Ross Island in Antarctica, continuously releases an estimated 80 grams of microscopic gold crystals each day through its persistent lava lake. The gold‑laden volcanic gases solidify in the frigid air, forming tiny crystals that can travel up to 1,000 km before settling in the ice, representing a value of roughly $6,000 per day or more than $2 million annually.

Scientists reported the phenomenon in a study published in Geophysical Research Letters, noting that similar, much smaller amounts of gold have been observed at a few other volcanoes worldwide, but Erebus is unique for its steady, low‑level emissions rather than occasional large eruptions.