Where is Pumice found?
Volcanic glass (felsic to intermediate composition)
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Open the appPumice occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Pumice
Aeolian Islands, Italy (Lipari, Vulcano)
World-renowned source of high-quality pumice, particularly from the island of Lipari, which has been mined for centuries.
Santorini, Greece
Famous for its caldera-forming eruptions that produced vast quantities of pumice, notably the Minoan eruption.
New Zealand (North Island)
Extensive pumice deposits associated with the Taupo Volcanic Zone, including the Oruanui and Taupo eruptions.
Oregon and Washington, USA
Significant pumice deposits from eruptions of volcanoes like Mount Mazama (Crater Lake) and Mount St. Helens.
Indonesia
Numerous volcanic islands produce pumice, including deposits from the Krakatoa eruption.
Japan
Active volcanic arcs yield various pumice deposits.
Chile
Andean volcanic activity produces substantial pumice resources.
Collecting tips
- Volcanic Regions. Look for pumice in areas with recent or geologically young explosive volcanic activity. It is often found in layers within pyroclastic deposits.
- River and Beach Deposits. Due to its ability to float, pumice can be transported long distances by rivers and ocean currents, accumulating on beaches or riverbanks far from its source volcano.
- Lightweight Test. The most distinctive characteristic is its extreme lightness. A piece of pumice will feel unusually light for its size, and many specimens will float on water.
- Vesicular Texture. Examine the rock for a highly porous, frothy, or spongy texture with abundant gas bubbles (vesicles).
- Color and Luster. Pumice is typically light-colored and has a dull to slightly glassy luster.
Quick Check
- Color:
- White, cream, light gray, pale yellow, light brown
- Luster:
- Dull to vitreous
- Streak:
- White
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