Lava Rock

Rock

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV (retired)
Published: June 2014
Modified: May 2022
Lava Rock Polished Lava Rock Rough Lava Rock Jewelry

Also known as scoria, lava rock is formed from solidified volcanic lava. A defining feature of this rock is cavities caused by trapped gas bubbles. Unlike pumice, however, lava rock does not float on water. The unique look of this highly porous rock, along with its relatively light weight, makes it popular for jewelry and ornamental carvings.

General Information

Common Name
Lava Rock
Species
Rock
Transparency
Opaque
Dispersion
Strength: None
Optic Character
NA
Fluorescence
SWUV: Inert
LWUV: Inert
Pleochroism
None
Hardness
5-6
Streak
White
Toughness
Poor
Inclusions
Lava rock or scoria will have rounded or elongated cavities.
Luster
Dull, Subvitreous
Stability
Good
Fracture
Conchoidal
Cleavage
Perfect
Crystal System
NA
Chemistry Classification
Rock

Lava Rock Colors

  • Black Lava Rock
    Black
  • Blue Lava Rock
    Blue
  • Brown Lava Rock
    Brown
  • Gray Lava Rock
    Gray
  • Green Lava Rock
    Green
  • Orange Lava Rock
    Orange
  • Pink Lava Rock
    Pink
  • Purple Lava Rock
    Purple
  • Red Lava Rock
    Red
  • White Lava Rock
    White
  • Yellow Lava Rock
    Yellow

Alternate Names

Scoria

Countries of Origin

Tanzania, United Republic Of; Afghanistan; Russian Federation; United States of America; Iceland; Bahamas; Costa Rica; Greece; Unknown; China; Chile; Ecuador; Argentina; Hungary; Japan; Kenya; India; New Zealand; Canada; Cuba; Barbados; Turkey; Italy; Mexico; Australia; Jamaica; Peru; Ethiopia; Indonesia

Care

Gentle wear; avoid ultrasonics and high heat.