igneous
Red Scoria (Lava Rock)
Scoria (highly vesicular basaltic/andesitic rock)
Hardness: 5-6 Mohs (can vary due to porosity); Color: reddish-brown to dark red; Luster: dull to sub-glassy; Structure: highly vesicular (pitted with gas bubbles); Specific Gravity: low (often floats initially until water-saturated).
- Hardness
- 5-6 Mohs (can vary due to porosity)
- Color
- reddish-brown to dark red
- Luster
- dull to sub-glassy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-6 Mohs (can vary due to porosity); Color: reddish-brown to dark red; Luster: dull to sub-glassy; Structure: highly vesicular (pitted with gas bubbles); Specific Gravity: low (often floats initially until water-saturated).
Formation & geological history
Formed from gas-rich basaltic or andesitic magma ejected from a volcano; the rapid cooling traps gas bubbles, creating a sponge-like texture. Commonly found in volcanic cinder cones.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in landscaping, gas grill briquettes, high-temperature insulation, drainage stones, and as a lightweight aggregate in concrete.
Geological facts
Red scoria gets its color from the oxidation of iron within the lava. It is the primary component of many cinder cones, like those found in Sunset Crater, Arizona.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its light weight (low density), sharp edges, and numerous vesicles (holes). Common in volcanic regions like Iceland, Italy, and the Western United States.
