Pumice

Pumice is a very light, porous volcanic rock that forms during explosive eruptions. During the eruption, volcanic gases dissolved in the liquid portion of magma expand very rapidly to create a foam or froth; the liquid part of the froth then quickly solidifies to glass around the gas bubbles. All types of magma (basalt, andesite, dacite, and rhyolite) can form pumice, but it is usually associated with acidic magmas (e.g. Rhyolite). Pumice is mined as an additive to abrasive materials.

Pumice mine on Lipari, Eolian Islands, Italy. Pieces which fall into the sea float and can be found as far away as Stromboli. Photo: J. Alean Pumice sample from Santorini (about 15 cm diameter) Have a closer look at the same sample!

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