Decipher the mysterious stone capable of floating on the water

Scientists have found a mechanism to help pumice float for years, as well as their sinking and floating phenomenon.

Pumice stone is a mineral that can float on water. Scientists say that inside the rock there are many air bubbles , which help to reduce their own mass and increase their buoyancy. However, the way the pumice blocks the air, preventing the leak for many years has only been discovered, according to International Business Times.

After the pumice X-ray, the scientists confirmed that the inner air balloon is relatively large in size and connected. If water enters only one air balloon, nothing will prevent it from seeping in and making the stone sink. Another mystery is that many pumice stones seep in water and sink, but emerge soon after.

Floating sinking occurs due to internal air expanding in warm weather.

The answer lies in the surface tension of the water inside the rock. This is also a factor that helps some small insects float on the water without sinking. Surface tension acts as a shell to prevent deformed water. The smaller the size, the more visible this effect is.

"A lot of bubbles are small in size, like the hairs that come together. That makes surface tension great," researcher Kristen Fauria said. Surface tension prevents water from entering the air bubbles. Floating sinking occurs due to internal air expanding in warm weather.

This research can reveal how huge pumice stones form. Some pumice stones are up to 1m in diameter, while they are usually only as big as apples. Pumice stones form when volcanoes erupt on the ground or underwater. Melted lava meets instant water frozen very quickly, retaining many of the air bubbles inside.

Pumice floats on the water after a volcanic eruption.