Pumice
Pumice
Pumice (/ˈpʌmɪs/), from Latin pumex, meaning "foam", is a type of volcanic rock that is formed when lava with high content of water and gases is thrown into the air during a volcanic eruption. As the lava cools rapidly, the gases escape and leave behind a porous, frothy structure. Pumice is the only rock that can float in water due to its low density.
Etymology
The word "pumice" is derived from the Latin word pumex, meaning "foam". It is believed to have been used in English since the late Middle Ages.
Characteristics
Pumice is characterized by its highly vesicular texture and very low density. It is typically light-colored, indicating that it is rich in silica and poor in iron and magnesium. The size of pumice stones can vary from small pebbles to large blocks. The rock's porosity makes it a good abrasive, which is why it is often used in the manufacture of cosmetic products and cleaning supplies.
Uses
Pumice has a variety of uses. It is commonly used as an abrasive in the form of a pumice stone, particularly in the cosmetic industry for removing dead skin and in the dental industry for cleaning teeth. In construction, it is used as an aggregate in lightweight concrete. Pumice is also used in the production of stone-washed jeans, as a soil conditioner, and as an abrasive in polishes, cleaners, and scrubbing pads.
Related Terms
- Volcanic rock: A rock formed from magma erupted from a volcano.
- Silica: A hard, unreactive, colorless compound which occurs as the mineral quartz and as a principal constituent of sandstone and other rocks.
- Abrasive: A substance or material such as sandpaper that is used to wear down or remove a surface.
- Pumice stone: A very light and porous volcanic rock formed when a gas-rich froth of glassy lava solidifies rapidly.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pumice
- Wikipedia's article - Pumice
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