Pumice is a light igneous volcanic rock used as a scourer, abrasive, polisher and in the manufacture of soundproofing tiles. Pumice can occur in any type of lava, but is more common in rhyolite and trachyte than in basalt. Pumice is formed from molten lava that cools so quickly that it doesn't have time to form either crystals or glass. Pumice may be heated until it melts, and will then form obsidian. Pumice is full of tiny vesicles which are the solidified remains of bubbles that were in the molten rock. These vesicles may pumice very light and porous - pumice will float and absorb water until saturated. Research Pumice
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Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Rocks & Minerals
Research Pumice
