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Revision as of 14:24, 10 September 2004 by Susvolans (talk | contribs) (dases,superscript entity)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Pumice is a light, porous type of pyroclastic igneous rock. It is formed during explosive volcanic eruptions when liquid lava is ejected into the air as a froth containing masses of gas bubbles. As the lava solidifies, the bubbles are frozen into the rock. Any type of igneous rock — andesite, basalt, dacite or rhyolite — can form pumice given suitable eruptive conditions.
Specimen of highly porous pumice from Teide volcanoon Tenerife, Canary Islands. Density of specimen
approx 0.25 g/cm³. Scale in centimetres.
It is considered a glass because it has no crystal structure. Pumice varies in density according to the thickness of the solid material between the bubbles; many samples float in water. It is widely used to make lightweight concrete and as an abrasive, especially in polishes and cosmetic exfoliants.
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