Polish scientists have used volcanic stone to create a highly insulating and resistant material that they say could soon replace traditional building supplies – and would be cheaper, too.

Researchers at the University of Technology of Krakow have developed the artificial stone from volcanic tuff, itself made up of consolidated ash. They mixed the tuff with other components such as alkaline solutions and water glass.

The team says the resulting material, known as an inorganic geopolymer, is almost as hard as granite, another volcanic rock.

Professor Janusz Mikula, who led the research, said the material’s ability to withstand heat is what makes it different from other geopolymers available.

“Imagine a fire in your house. The temperature rises up to 800 or 900 degrees Celsius,” Mikula said.

“Under normal conditions, traditional building materials and even polymers begin to lose strength. Traditional building materials begin to disintegrate, to crack. In contrast, our polymer wo