ANEKA BERKAT ALAM

Pumice is a naturally-occurring rock that has many practical applications. It can be obtained in large chunks or thin powders. While most of the world’s supply of pumice is used in construction materials, it is also widely used as an abrasive in cleaning supplies both for personal use and for use around the home.

Pumice is volcanic rock that is produced when lava with high water and gas content is thrown from a volcano. The light, rocky mineral is formed as a result of lava cooling and hardening. Pumice rocks are filled with small gas bubbles. Lava that hardens more quickly results in the formation of volcanic glass instead of pumice.

Pumice is usually light in color, high in silica and low in iron and magnesium content. Pumice is light enough to float on water but will sink as it becomes waterlogged. The term “pumice” usually refers to large pumice stones; pumicite is a fine-grained ashy version of pumice which formed in the presence of higher gas levels.

Nearly three-quarters of all pumice and pumicide that is produced annually is used in lightweight construction materials, such as concrete block and concrete. The remaining pumice produced is used in horticulture, landscaping, and the manufacture of abrasives.