What material is the Giant's Causeway constructed of?

The Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, is a fascinating geological formation that tells a story of ancient volcanic activity. Around 50 to 60 million years ago, during the Paleogene period, this region experienced intense volcanic eruptions. Molten basalt rock, or lava, flowed onto the surface and cooled relatively quickly. As the lava cooled, it contracted and fractured, creating the distinctive hexagonal columns that make the Causeway so famous. These columns interlock tightly, forming a pavement-like structure that stretches into the sea. So, while it might look like it was built from ordinary stone, the Giant's Causeway is actually composed of solidified volcanic lava. It's a natural wonder sculpted by geological processes over millions of years, not by human hands using stone, iron, or bronze. The unique hexagonal shape is a result of the cooling process of the lava, a natural phenomenon called columnar jointing.