Here's why:

* Extreme Heat: Lava is extremely hot, reaching temperatures over 1000°C (1800°F). You wouldn't be "turned to stone" - you'd be instantly incinerated.

* Chemical Composition: Lava is molten rock, mostly composed of minerals like silica, iron, and magnesium. There's no magical process where it transforms organic matter into solid stone.

* Fossil Evidence: We have fossilized remains of creatures that lived in volcanic areas. If lava turned things to stone, we wouldn't find these fossils.

What Happens When You're Exposed to Lava?

It's a horrific experience:

* Instant Burning: The intense heat would cause severe burns, likely leading to death.

* Asphyxiation: The gases released from lava, like sulfur dioxide, are toxic and can cause suffocation.

Stone Formation:

While lava doesn't turn people to stone, it does contribute to stone formation over long periods. When lava cools and solidifies, it creates igneous rocks. These rocks can then be weathered and eroded to form new types of rock, like sandstone.

So, while the idea of being turned to stone by lava might be dramatic, it's not scientifically accurate.