Pumice is a highly vesicular, low-density volcanic glass formed during explosive eruptions of silica-rich magma. It is unique for its ability to float on water due to its porous structure and is commonly found in association with rhyolitic lava flows.

Hardness

5.5-6

Mohs

Luster

Dull

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

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Pumice

Hardness: 5.5-6
Luster: Dull
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this pumice?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch pumice with a known reference. Pumice sits at Mohs 5.5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pumice leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Pumice typically shows a dull luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray, cream, light brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: vesicular.

Often confused with

Pumice vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Pumice and pearly on Perlite.

Compare →

Often found alongside pumice

Minerals reported to co-occur with pumice. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Mohs hardness: 5.5-6
Density: 0.25-0.9 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray Cream Light Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Dull
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Vesicular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Industrial, Decorative, Lapidary
Host rock: Volcanic Extrusive
Typical price: $1-20 per specimen

Where rockhounds find pumice

1 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

Italy
Greece
United States
New Zealand
Turkey

Field-hunting tip

Look in volcanic extrusive country — that is the host setting where pumice typically forms. If you start seeing obsidian, rhyolite, trachyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a vesicular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Nevada — start trip planning there.

Browse 1 U.S. spots for pumice →

Common questions

How do you identify pumice?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5-6. It typically shows a dull luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, gray, cream, light brown.

Where is pumice found?+

Notable localities include Italy; Greece; United States; New Zealand; Turkey.

Can I find pumice in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 1 pumice rockhounding spots across 1 U.S. states — the top states are Nevada.

How much is pumice worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $1-20 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like pumice?+

Pumice is most often confused with Scoria, Perlite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with pumice?+

Pumice commonly co-occurs with Obsidian, Rhyolite, Trachyte. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does pumice form in?+

Pumice typically forms in volcanic extrusive. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is pumice used for?+

Pumice is used in industrial, decorative, lapidary.

Find pumice on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.