Orbicular Granite Gneiss in Osan-ri, Muju

An orbicular rock is a spherical rock formed under special environmental conditions, most commonly found within granite; it is known at only around 100 locations worldwide, and in Korea it has been found at five locations. The rounded cores formed in the orbicular granite gneiss distributed around Wangjeong village in Muju-gun are 5–10cm in diameter and dark grey or dark green in colour. Whereas most orbicular rocks are found within granite, the orbicular rock of Muju is found within metamorphic rock, making it a very rare case of great academic value. Orbicular rocks are geologically very rare and unusual, and are of great value as material for research into how rocks are formed.

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Where it is

Region

Muju, Jeonbuk

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물