Where Are Pumice Rocks Found?

Pumice is found in volcanic areas

Pumice is a form of volcanic rock created when lava is filled with water and gases. The gases make bubbles in the lava and as the lava cools it becomes a rock filled with bubbles that is light enough to float on water. The term "pumice" comes from the Latin word "pumex," which means foam.

Sources

Pumice is typically found in areas of the world with volcanic activity. According to the Mineral Information Institute, 50 countries produce pumice, with Italy, Spain, Greece, Chile, Turkey and the United States being major producers. In the United States, the most pumice is found in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Oregon.

U.S. Pumice Production

In 2009, pumice mining in the United States was valued at $16 million. The quantities mined have declined from 1.5 million tons in 2006 to 800,000 tons in 2009, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Mines in Arizona and California produce some 50 per cent of American pumice. U.S. imports are primarily from Greece and Turkey.

Uses

Pumice has many more uses than removing hard skin from the feet. Pumice stone creates the "stonewash" effect on denim and is seen in garden landscaping, but its primary use is as the basis of construction materials, such as concrete blocks.

References

• Mineral Information Institute: Pumice
• U.S. Geological Survey: Pumice and Pumicite 2010