pumice cone

geology

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

A pumice cone is a volcanic landform similar to a cinder cone, but it is constructed from fragments of pumice. Pumice is a very porous, lightweight volcanic glass formed when lava cools rapidly, trapping gases that create a frothy texture. These cones are built from these lightweight, gas-bubble-riddled volcanic glass fragments.12

Cinder cones, in contrast, are formed from pyroclastic rock fragments called cinders, which are heavier than pumice. Both types of cones are typically steep and conical, with a bowl-shaped crater at the summit, and are common in volcanic regions.32

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

volcano
Pyroclastic cones
Pumice cones are structures similar to cinder cones, but they are made up of volcanic glass fragments so riddled with gas-bubble holes (vesicles) that they resemble a sponge and are very lightweight. Less common pyroclastic landforms include maars, low-relief craters often filled with water and surrounded…
Read More
Pumice cones are structures similar to cinder cones, but they are made up of volcanic glass fragments so riddled with gas-bubble holes (vesicles) that they resemble a sponge and are very lightweight. Less common pyroclastic landforms include maars, low-relief craters often filled with water and surrounded…
Read More