rockIgneous

Pumice

Pumice is a light, porous volcanic rock formed from rapidly cooling lava. It is widely used as an abrasive and in construction.

Hardness: 5.5–6 Mohs

Quick Facts

Key properties and characteristics

Category

rock

Family

Igneous

Colors

white, gray, light brown, cream

Hardness

5.5–6 Mohs

Luster

vitreous to dull

Transparency

opaque

Found In

Italy, Turkey, USA

Stone DNA

Property breakdown

Hardness
Mohs scale: 6
6.0/10
Durability
Resistance to wear
4.7/10
Luster
vitreous to dull
5.0/10
Rarity
common
2.0/10
Density
0.9 g/cm³
1.8/10

Scores normalized to 10-point scale for comparison

Color Spectrum

Natural color variations

white
gray
light brown
cream
whitegraylight browncream

Origin Highlights

Where this stone is found

common
🇮🇹
ItalyPrimary
🌍
Turkey
🇺🇸
USA
🌍
Greece
🌍
Iceland

+1 more locations

Crystal Structure

Molecular arrangement

Interlocking Crystalline

Multiple crystals fused together in matrix

GraniteMarbleGneissQuartzite

Geology Deep Dive

Formation & composition

Formation

Pumice forms during explosive volcanic eruptions when high-silica lava cools and depressurizes rapidly, trapping gas bubbles and creating a frothy, porous texture.

🌋

Volcanic / Plutonic

5-30 km below surface

Mineral Composition

Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
aluminum oxide (Al2O3)
with traces of other oxides
Formation Timeline: Thousands to millions of years

Rashi & Planetary Match

Vedic astrology compatibility

💎
Birth Month: Not a traditional birthstone

Uses by Industry

Click to explore similar stones

Commonly Confused With

How to tell them apart

🆚
Scoriavs Pumice

Similar appearance

🆚
Tuffvs Pumice

Similar appearance

🆚
Lightweight concretevs Pumice

Similar appearance

Always verify with hardness test or expert examination

Formation & Geology

Pumice forms through geological processes over millions of years. The unique conditions of temperature and pressure create its distinctive characteristics and crystal structure.

Understanding the geological origins helps appreciate the rarity and natural beauty of this stone.

Uses & Applications

Spiritual & Healing

While not a traditional gemstone in Vedic astrology, pumice is valued in some spiritual practices for its cleansing properties. Its abrasive nature is seen as a metaphor for removing unwanted energies and smoothing rough emotional edges. Some use pumice in ritual baths or as a physical tool to symbolically scrub away negativity and old patterns. Its volcanic origin connects it to themes of transformation and renewal, reminding us that even explosive change can create something light and useful.

Affirmations

"I release what no longer serves me."

"I am renewed and cleansed."

"I embrace transformation with lightness."

Rituals & Practices

  • Use in ritual baths for symbolic cleansing.
  • Place near entryways to absorb negative energy.
  • Hold while meditating on letting go of burdens.

The information provided is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for health-related questions.

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Data
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1 months ago

Stone data enriched using AI with gemology and Vedic astrology sources. Always verify with certified experts for important decisions.