Myth Debunked - Do Right Angles Form in Nature? Cleavage and Columns

A common misconception held is that straight lines and right angles do not form in nature. There area many geological examples that easily refute this myth. Above is a basalt column that I found in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Canada. Geologists have shown that certain layers of basalt flows naturally acquire the shape of a "column".

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It is called columnar basalt and there are many examples of it around the world. Above is the famous Giant's Causeway in Ireland, viewed as a mystical place throughout human history.

Other evidence to refute artificial creation of straight lines presents itself in the form of many minerals. A concept in geology to describe mineral form is cleavage. Yes, you read that right. In geology cleavage is used to describe an atomic plane of weakness inherent to the mineral structure. The mineral above, Muscovite is an ideal example of a mineral that displays a strong cleavage plane, layers can be easily peeled off along the atomic plane of weakness.

If we observe the cleavage plane straight on, we see a characteristic illumination. This flash of light is a direct result of the atomic structure.

I find it endlessly fascinating that we can observe atomic structure and I hope you do too. Natures ability to surprise and produce seemingly artificial objects is truly profound.

More to Come!