The Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption in Clermont-Ferrand is one of the most unique Gothic cathedrals in the world

What makes it stand out is its construction—built entirely from black Volvic lava stone , a strong volcanic rock sourced from nearby mountains. This gives the cathedral its dark, dramatic appearance and exceptional durability

Construction began in 1248 under architect Jean Deschamps, but the project took centuries to complete Its iconic twin spires, reaching around 96 meters (315 ft), were only finished in the 19th century by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc

The cathedral is a fine example of Radiant Gothic architecture , known for tall, elegant structures and large windows that fill the space with light

Inside, it holds an impressive collection of stained glass , including rare 12th-century Romanesque panels and 13th-century Gothic designs

Thanks to the volcanic stone, the intricate carvings have resisted erosion far better than typical limestone structures —helping preserve its beauty for centuries

In Japan, a Domino’s employee named Umanami Futoshi became an internet sensation after completing one of the most unusual deliveries ever. He reportedly hiked for nearly six hours up Mount Fuji to deliver a pizza to a climber waiting at the summit. With no drones, vehicles, or shortcuts, he carried the pizza in a heat-insulated bag while climbing steep volcanic trails and facing cold mountain winds.

The order cost around $962 and was part of Domino’s Japan’s “deliver anywhere” campaign. What started as a creative marketing idea quickly turned into an impressive display of determination and dedication. Step by step, through exhaustion and thin mountain air, Futoshi kept going until he reached the 3,776-meter peak.

When he finally arrived, the climber received more than just a hot pizza. He received a memorable story about effort, humor, and pride in work, proving that sometimes even a simple delivery can become an extraordinary adventure.

In Artigas, Uruguay—famous for its amethyst—miners at the Santa Rosa mine made an incredible discovery.

A 176-pound rock that looked ordinary from the outside revealed two perfectly matching heart-shaped crystal cavities when split open. The rare amethyst geode, nicknamed “The New Treasure,” is valued between $100,000 and $120,000, and its owners refuse to separate the halves.

Formed over millions of years inside volcanic rock, the perfectly aligned hearts are something miners say they’ve never seen before.

Hellcat or Venom

"V" is for Volcanic Cookie