Tuffa

Tuffa is a type of volcanic rock formed from volcanic ash that has been compacted and solidified. This process typically occurs shortly after a volcanic eruption, where hot ash, rock fragments, and dust are ejected and then settle. Over time, the pressure from overlying ash layers and the presence of hot water can cause these materials to fuse together, creating a solid rock. Tuff can vary in composition depending on the source material of the ash, and it may contain fragments of various minerals and volcanic glass. The appearance of tuff can also range widely, from fine-grained and uniform to coarse-grained with visible inclusions. It is often porous and relatively lightweight. Tuff has been utilized by humans for various purposes throughout history, including as a building material due to its workability. Many ancient structures and monuments in volcanic regions are constructed from tuff. The presence of tuff is indicative of past volcanic activity in an area and is a significant geological feature studied in volcanology and earth sciences.