Pumice is produced when lava, gases and water erupt from a volcano. This unique combination produces a light porous rock that can actually float in water, until the water soaks all the way into the rock. The name pumice is derived from the Latin word "pumex," which means foam. This porous rock has many uses.
Construction
In January 2006, the U.S. Geological Survery noted that 76 percent of domestically produced pumice was consumed for building blocks. Since pumice is a light and porous rock that is easy to work with, it can be chipped, sawed, and made into a variety of structures and applications for building. When combined with concrete, it makes solid bricks, hollow blocks and planks.
Stonewash
Pumice is used to create iconic, lighter colored jeans. When compared to synthetic rocks, pumice rocks absorb more chemicals, are lighter on equipment, and give the fabric a higher quality finish. Upon disposal, pumice rocks are more environmentally friendly.
Horticulture
Due to its porous state, pumice is crushed and used in horticulture, such as gardening. When crushed to the consistency of soil, it is easily mixable. When the roots of the plant then grow alongside the soil and crushed pumice, the pumice provides aerobic conditions around the roots.
Removing Calluses
Calluses form on areas of your body that encounter heavy friction. Guitarists have calluses on their fingertips just as runners have calluses on their feet. It is a protection mechanism applied by your body yet is unsightly. Since pumice is porous, light and able to be transformed into different shapes, it is used for removing calluses. The pumice stone is gently worked in a sanding motion over the fingertips or feet on the areas where calluses have formed. Every new motion takes a thin layer of skin away from the callus.
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