igneous
Vesicular volcanic rock, likely scoria
Scoria; typically basaltic to andesitic composition, chiefly plagioclase, pyroxene, and volcanic glass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectGray-brown, highly porous, and dull to slightly glassy, with abundant irregular vesicles; hardness about 5–6 Mohs, no obvious cleavage, and low-to-moderate specific gravity. The pale, weathered surface may include secondary mineral coatings.
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Physical properties
Gray-brown, highly porous, and dull to slightly glassy, with abundant irregular vesicles; hardness about 5–6 Mohs, no obvious cleavage, and low-to-moderate specific gravity. The pale, weathered surface may include secondary mineral coatings.
Formation & geological history
Formed when gas-rich lava rapidly cooled, trapping bubbles in the solidifying magma; commonly Quaternary to recent in volcanic fields, though older examples occur worldwide.
Uses & applications
Used as lightweight aggregate, landscaping stone, drainage material, and abrasive; attractive pieces may be collected, but it is rarely used in jewelry.
Geological facts
Scoria is generally denser and darker than pumice because its vesicles are less abundant and its walls are thicker. The specimen’s rounded holes and compact texture strongly support a vesicular lava identification.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by abundant connected or irregular cavities, a rough surface, and volcanic texture; it commonly occurs near cinder cones, lava flows, and volcanic beaches. Exact identification is uncertain from an image alone because weathered vesicular limestone or tuff can look similar.
