Where Is Pumice Formed?

Pumice is formed by lava coming into contact with water. This occurs most often with volcanoes near or under water. When the hot magma comes into contact with the water, rapid cooling and rapid de-pressurization creates bubbles by lowering the boiling point of lava.

Is pumice formed underground?

Pumice is a textural rock formed from volcanic eruptions. Deep underground, molten rock incorporates water and other gases, and when the magma erupts from a vent, the gases flash off, leaving behind a frothy, vesicle-riven structure that quickly cools, solidifying the foamy structure.

Where is pumice found in volcanoes?

Pumice is a common product of explosive eruptions (plinian and ignimbrite-forming) and commonly forms zones in upper parts of silicic lavas. Pumice has an average porosity of 90%, and initially floats on water. Scoria differs from pumice in being denser, with larger vesicles and thicker vesicle walls; it sinks rapidly.