Ixtepeque facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Volcán Ixtepeque |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,292 m (4,239 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Volcán Ixtepeque
Location in Guatemala
|
|
| Location | Jutiapa, Guatemala |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
| Last eruption | Holocene |
Volcán Ixtepeque is an interesting volcano located in southern Guatemala. It's a special kind of volcano known as a stratovolcano. This means it's a tall, cone-shaped mountain built up over many years by layers of hardened lava, ash, and rocks from past eruptions.
Ixtepeque isn't just one simple cone. It's actually made up of several different parts. Some are lava domes, which form when thick, sticky lava piles up around a volcanic vent. Others are cinder cones, which are smaller, steep hills made from bits of volcanic rock and ash that erupt into the air and fall back down.
The Story Behind the Name
The name "Ixtepeque" comes from an ancient language called Nahuatl. In Nahuatl, the word means "obsidian." This is a very important clue about what makes this volcano special!
Why Obsidian Was So Important
Obsidian is a type of natural volcanic glass. It forms when lava cools very quickly. This glass is super sharp when it breaks, even sharper than a surgeon's scalpel!
For thousands of years, long before Europeans arrived, people in ancient Mesoamerica (like the Maya and Aztecs) used obsidian for many things. They made sharp tools like knives, spearheads, and arrowheads. They also used it for mirrors and even beautiful jewelry.
Volcán Ixtepeque was one of the most important places to find obsidian in all of Mesoamerica. People would travel long distances to get this valuable material from the volcano. It was a key part of their daily lives and trade.
See Also
- List of volcanoes in Guatemala
