igneous
Vesicular volcanic rock (likely scoria)
Scoria, a vesicular basaltic to andesitic volcanic rock; exact identification is uncertain from the image
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectBrown, rough, and full of rounded gas cavities (vesicles), with a dull to slightly earthy luster. Likely composed mainly of volcanic glass and plagioclase, pyroxene, and/or olivine; hardness and density vary with composition and vesicle abundance.
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Physical properties
Brown, rough, and full of rounded gas cavities (vesicles), with a dull to slightly earthy luster. Likely composed mainly of volcanic glass and plagioclase, pyroxene, and/or olivine; hardness and density vary with composition and vesicle abundance.
Formation & geological history
Forms when gas-rich lava cools rapidly, trapping bubbles; it may be geologically recent or much older, depending on the volcanic deposit.
Uses & applications
Used as lightweight aggregate, landscaping stone, drainage material, and occasionally in decorative collections.
Geological facts
Its holes are vesicles left by escaping or trapped volcanic gases; scoria is generally denser and darker than pumice.
Field identification & locations
Look for a lightweight, porous volcanic fragment with irregular cavities and no consistent layering. Similar-looking porous rocks can include weathered lava or other vesicular volcanic material; common sources include volcanic regions worldwide.
