The Source of Pumice

Pumice is typically found near volcanoes.

Pumice has many household uses, including as a bath loofah, a tool to scrub your feet, and as construction concrete blocks that are lighter in weight. Pumice can be found in many areas worldwide, but was first collected in a town close to Naples, Italy. There is no shortage of pumice and it is not that expensive, so it is used in many building applications.

Formation

Pumice is a volcanic rock, which means it is formed from a volcano. Pumice is actually formed when lava that is high in water and gases is tossed from a volcano. The gas escapes from the lava, becoming like a froth. It then cools down before hardening. The frothiness of the rock contributes to the light holes, or bubbles, that are all throughout a piece of pumice.

Names of Pumice

If the pumice is in a large stone form, it is called pumice. However, if it is smaller, such as grains or even ash, it is labeled as pumicite. In Latin, it is pumex, which means foam, and in Italy is it pozzolan, in honor of where it was first found, Pozzuoli.

Where to Find Pumice

Pumice needs to be found and used while relatively young, as that is when it retains its properties. Italy is still a major producer, as it still has young volcanic fields. Pumice is also found in countries such as Greece, Chile, Spain and Turkey. Pumice can be found in the western United States--primarily Oregon, Arizona, California and New Mexico.

Uses

Pumice is used in many ways. Pumice can be used to build low or lightweight construction blocks. It can also be used to slough off dead skin on feet and hands. Pumice is used in landscapes as well. It can also be used as a lightweight cement that can be poured quickly, even in hard-to-reach areas.

Substitute for Pumice

Pumice is relatively easy to find, and the cost is not prohibitive, so in many cases there are no other viable substitutes. However, since Pumice is found in certain areas, the cost to ship and mine it needs to be included in the cost. If that cost is too high, shale is a viable alternative that can be used in place of pumice.

References

• The Encyclopedia of Earth: Pumice Sources