Arbor Rock’s base of operations, in Colorado, provides us not only a central location to visit many of our vendors, it we get natural perspective of our rock, and some much valued Nature Therapy. This time, it was off to visit those striking mounds of scoria, commonly called lava rock.

Lava Rock  has a porous texture, which makes it stand out visually from other inorganic mulching materials. It’s lightweight in comparison to other gravels, so it’s easier to install. A popular choice of landscape designers for xeriscaping, it’s also perfect for highlighting features like an island bed or walkway, or as a substrate in hydroponic gardening.

  Typical scoria has larger and more interconnected vesicles (holes), is characterized by lower silica content and displays a burgundy or black color. Scoria can be utilized, other than as cement replacement, in several industrial/construction applications including the manufacturing of lightweight concrete, as a heat-insulating material, in addition to other uses such as fillers, filter materials, absorbents and other architectural applications. Scoria is also used as rip-rap, roofing granules , drainage stone, and low-quality road metal.

There is something primal, raw about being out among the mounds of lava rock. It certainly makes one appreciate this basic building block for great gardens, man’s construction projects and even its entertainment when it’s used in sportsfield mixes (Yes, even there too, you will find lava rock uses).

It’s great to be about and about in nature!