Where is Pumice found?
Volcanic glass (vesicular)
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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
Especially Lipari, known for extensive pumice quarries and historical production.
Santorini, Greece
Famous for its caldera-forming eruptions that produced vast quantities of pumice.
New Zealand
Taupo Volcanic Zone, particularly around Lake Taupo, with significant pumice deposits from large eruptions.
Oregon, USA
Crater Lake National Park area (Mount Mazama eruption) and other Cascade Range volcanoes.
Indonesia
Numerous volcanic islands, including those associated with the 1883 Krakatoa eruption, which produced immense floating pumice rafts.
Japan
Associated with many active volcanoes, particularly in the Kyushu region.
Collecting tips
- Volcanic Regions. Focus on areas with recent or geologically young explosive volcanic activity, especially those known for felsic or intermediate eruptions.
- Pyroclastic Deposits. Look for pumice in pyroclastic fall deposits (layers of ash and lapilli) or ignimbrites (welded or unwelded pyroclastic flow deposits).
- Riverbeds and Beaches. Pumice can be transported by rivers and ocean currents, so check riverbeds downstream from volcanoes or beaches in volcanic regions. Floating pumice rafts can also wash ashore.
- Quarries. Commercial pumice quarries are excellent places to find samples, though access may be restricted.
- Lightweight Test. Always perform the 'float test' if possible; true pumice will float on water due to its extreme porosity.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Light (white, gray, cream, pale yellow)
- Luster:
- Dull to vitreous
- Streak:
- White
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