What Is a Pumice Stone Used For?

A pumice stone is a commonly used grooming item that is 100 percent natural. It is a product of volcanic lava which has cooled and hardened, with small pockets of gas that create the abrasive texture used to revive parts of the body hardened by dead skin.

Function

Often used for grooming of the feet, regular use of pumice stones is known to remove calluses and corns and soften scratchy heels.

Considerations

Pumice stones are also used to produce smoothness and softness on elbows and hands, as well as remove dry skin found on those body parts.

Types

Pumice is not only used to produce grooming products. Launderers use stones to wear in denim clothing items so they look worn and are more comfortable to wear. Pumice stones and rocks are also used in landscaping and industrial uses, include pumice powder as an abrasive for cleaning, scrubbing and polishing.

Geography

Pumice has been mined in many countries for decades, primarily in Italy but also Greece, Spain, Turkey and Chile. In the United States, the top producers of pumice products are found in Arizona, Oregon, New Mexico and California.

Size

Pumice stones can range in size from being pebble-like and 1/2-inch wide to very large stones or blocks up to 20 inches wide.

Warning

Diabetics, hemophiliacs and sufferers of poor blood circulation are discouraged from use of pumice stones on their feet, since broken skin and bleeding can result if too much pressure is applied while using the stone to rub off dry skin.