Mentions of this type of lava can be found in 18th century Hawaiian newspapers, where it is called "Lauoho o Pele," "Lauoho Pele," and "Lauoho ehuehu a Pele." Wind often carries the light fibers high into the air and to places several kilometers away from the vent. Strands of Pele's hair commonly gather on high places like treetops, radio antennas, and electric poles. Pele's hair has been produced by volcanoes around the world, for example in Nicaragua (
Masaya), Italy (
Etna), Ethiopia (
Erta’ Ale), and Iceland, where it is known as ('witches' hair'). It is usually found in gaps in the ground, mostly near vents, skylights, ocean entry, or in corners where Pele's hair can accumulate. Touching Pele's hair is not recommended, because it is very brittle and very sharp, and small broken pieces can enter the skin. Gloves should be worn while examining it. Pele's hair may occur along with
Pele's tears, small pieces of solidified lava drops. Also, the shape of the tears can provide an indication of the velocity of the eruption, and the bubbles of gas and particles trapped within the tears can provide information about the composition of the magma chamber.,
Hawaii, July 22, 2005 == Formation ==