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Reverted edits by Mlask (Talk) to last version by BrianCo
[[Image:Volcanic_ash.jpg|thumb|300px|Volcanic ash collected in Randle, [[Washington]], located about 40 km NNE of [[Mount St. Helens]].]]'''Volcanic ash''' consists of [[rock]], [[mineral]], and volcanic [[glass]] fragments smaller than 2 mm (0.1 inch) in diameter, which is slightly larger than the size of a pinhead. Volcanic ash is not the same as the soft fluffy ash that results from burning wood, leaves, or paper. It is hard, does not dissolve in water, and can be extremely small--ash particles less than 0.025 mm (1/1,000th of an inch) in diameter are common.
Ash is extremely abrasive, similar to finely crushed window glass, mildly corrosive, and electrically conductive, especially when wet.
Volcanic ash is created during explosive eruptions by the shattering of solid rocks and violent separation of [[magma]] (molten rock) into tiny pieces. Explosive eruptions are generated when ground water is heated by magma and abruptly converted to steam and also when magma reaches the surface so that volcanic gases dissolved in the molten rock expand and escape (explode) into the air extremely rapidly. After being blasted into the air by expanding steam and other volcanic gases, the hot ash and gas rise quickly to form a towering eruption column directly above the [[volcano]].
== Sources ==
[http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/Products/Pglossary/ash.html USGS Photo Glossary]
[[Category:Volcanology]]
[[Category:Rocks]]