The volcanic activity which took place in the Indian subcontinent at that time was so phenomenal that today, such an activity will be termed as an exception in GeoScience Domain.

The basalt deposits in Maharashtra are formed due to the basaltic volcanic eruptions. These eruptions are favoured by low gas content and low viscosity magmas (basaltic to andesitic magmas). Unlike regular conical-shaped Super Volcano picturised in 2012 (film- directed by Ronald Emmerich), basaltic volcanic activity occurs over the surface of the earth.

These conditions lead to the settlement of lava over the surface, which over a period of time forms igneous rocks. When this process occurs over a course time on the surface of the earth, the chances cavansite forming get even bleaker

India already holds a rich history of using basalt as a construction material, and the very best example is our very own Shaniwar Wada. But what is so special about Basalt that even the Peshwas used it back in the day?

The answer is the occurrence of a rare element known as vanadium. We have been hearing this chant since our school days 'Bharat Ek Sone ki Chidiya Thi' -- this particular line is backed up with a reason.

An isotope of vanadium is known as cavansite. Its natural occurrences are so rare that geologists have discovered it only on five geographical locations. One among those five is in India, that too in Deccan plateau region, which is the periphery of Pune.

As aforementioned - the climatic conditions required for the formation of the cavansite are so ideal, the geological geeks in town never miss an opportunity to examine the mineral from up close.

We got in touch with researchers, who helped us catch a mesmerising glimpse of the tesseract look-alike stone.

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Pune's hidden treasure: Here's all that you need to know about the blue mineral 'cavansite'

Sharon Singh