GEOLOGY

Mount Saint Helens erupts May 18, 1980 in Washington State. The natural occurrence blew a mushroom cloud of ash thousands of miles into the air.

11 Explosive Facts About Mount St. Helens

When it blew on May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens became the most explosive volcanic eruption in U.S. history. And no, it’s not done.

See What the Inside of a Volcano Looks Like, Courtesy of Some Unlucky Drones

Two unlucky drones were sacrificed to capture this incredible footage from inside an active volcano's crater.

The Enigma, a 555-Carat Black Diamond That’s Said to Be From Outer Space, Is Hitting the Auction Block

The 555-carat black carbonado diamond is purported to be from outer space, though some experts are questioning its origin story.

8 of the Biggest Tsunamis in History

The biggest tsunami ever recorded reached 1720 feet high—which is taller than the Willis Tower in Chicago.

The Appalachian Mountains have a long, fascinating history.

11 Facts About the Appalachian Mountains

The Appalachian Mountains occupy a towering spot in North American cultural identity, thanks in part to the Appalachian Trail. The rugged peaks have been influencing the continent for a lot longer than we’ve been around to appreciate them.

Pyrite, or fool's gold, has fooled us once again.

Irony Alert: Fool’s Gold Actually Contains Real Gold

The metal known as pyrite fooled gold rush enthusiasts in the 1800s, but it turns out the material may contain gold after all.

Animal-inspired jewelry at the American Museum of Natural History.

7 Pieces of Animal-Inspired Jewelry From the American Museum of Natural History's Halls of Gems and Minerals

When the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals reopen at the American Museum of Natural History on June 12, they will feature a new exhibit of animal-inspired jewelry.