Cinders (scoria) are the way

So what's the big fuss over these rocks? Cinders or Scoria as they are called seem to be crucial not only for navigating your land in the wet but also saving your budget. This pyroclastic igneous rock forms when magma rich in dissolved gases is expelled during a volcanic eruption. These gases give scoria its trade mark porous texture giving them a low density. Arizona was actually formed by atleast 7 volcanic eruptions. Making Scoria abundant almost everywhere in the state. Sunset Crater part of the San Fransico volcanic field erupted in 1085 AD covering over 2100 kilometers in ash and cinder.

This temporarily forced the ancient Pueblo people to abandon their dwellings. The area was later reinhabited by Cohonina, Kayenta, and Sinagua people. Some built Wupatki, a traditional long house, which housed up to 100 people or more.The rich Volcanic ash nourished the soil, while the porousness of the Cinder or Scoria held 13% of its weight in water. This hygroscopic property allowed the soil to thrive and helped the people reestablish their land. The land became a bustling agricultural area, bringing travelers and trade from far off distances. Some researchers have event found remains of parrots, assumingly coming from Mexico.

This story highlights one of the benefits of using Cinder, but it has other useful qualities. This rock is tougher than pumice stone, making it durable enough to drive on without it become crushed into dust. besides being used as a road, driveway, or walkway. It can also be used as a boarder around a garden. As the cinder absorbs water, it holds this moisture, locking it away for roots and microbes to absorb. It can also be used to give structure and aeration to soils or used to line potting pots to help with drainage.