--- title: Black Lichen Lava Boulders | Mid Valley Rock url: https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/lava-black-lichen-lava/ business: Mid Valley Rock phone: (916) 363-4239 address: 5300 Excelsior Road, Sacramento, CA 95827 hours: Mon-Fri 7:00-4:00, Sat 7:30-3:00, Sun closed --- - [Home](https://midvalleyrock.com/) - [Stone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/) - [Boulders](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/boulders/) - Lava: Black Lichen Lava # Black Lichen Lava Black Lichen Lava is an angular black volcanic rock covered with green moss and lichen, used as bold boulder accents in gardens, dry creek beds and Asian-style landscapes. Sizes vary, so call Mid Valley Rock to see what is in stock, then pick your pieces at the yard. Lava: Black Lichen Lava Colors vary by pallet and wet vs dry. See it in the yard. Black Lichen Lava pairs two strong looks: jet-dark volcanic rock and soft green growth. The rock is angular, with sharp faces and the holes typical of lava. On top, moss and lichen add patches of green that make it look like it has sat in a forest for decades. It stands out against pale gravel and light walls, and it gives Japanese and woodland gardens instant age. ## How lava rock forms Lava is molten rock from a volcano that cooled and hardened. It usually has holes all through it, and its look changes with its minerals and how fast it cooled. Black Lichen Lava cooled into angular black shapes. Over time moss and lichen took hold, which is the look you buy. ## Design ideas Use it as a focal boulder in a Japanese garden, set in raked gravel or among ferns and maples. Grouped in odd numbers, pieces look natural. It also lines dry creek beds and pond edges. For more, see our [water feature ideas](https://midvalleyrock.com/ideas/water-features/). If it will sit in water, tell staff how you plan to use it. ## Keeping the lichen Lichen and moss grow slowly and like some shade and moisture. Face the green side where it gets morning sun, not the hottest afternoon light. Do not pressure-wash or seal it. Lava is sold by weight and quoted by phone or at the yard; lava is lighter than many stones of its size, which helps with handling. ## Popular uses - Japanese garden focal stones - Woodland and shade gardens - Dry creek bed edges - Pond borders - Contrast accents in pale gravel ### Is it in the yard today? Stock changes with the quarries. Ask us and we will check what is on hand for Lava: Black Lichen Lava. [Is it in the yard today?](https://midvalleyrock.com/contact/?stone=Lava%3A%20Black%20Lichen%20Lava#quote) ### At a glance - **Category:** Boulders - **Sold by:** Weight, on pallets - **Pricing:** Call for today’s price - **Stock:** Changes often. Ask before you drive over - **Delivery:** Flatbed + forklift, Mon-Sat ### Good to know - Wear gloves; lava edges are sharp. - Set boulders in groups of three or five for a natural look. - Protect the lichen from harsh afternoon sun if you want it to last. ### Keep reading - [Boulder sizes and weights](https://midvalleyrock.com/rock-talk/boulder-sizes-and-weights/) - [Boulder landscaping](https://midvalleyrock.com/ideas/boulder-landscaping/) - [Ponds & water features](https://midvalleyrock.com/ideas/water-features/) - [Water-wise yards](https://midvalleyrock.com/ideas/drought-tolerant-landscaping/) ### Visit or call - **Monday - Friday:** 7:00 am - 4:00 pm - **Saturday:** 7:30 am - 3:00 pm - **Sunday:** Closed 5300 Excelsior Road Sacramento, CA 95827 Arrive 45 minutes before closing so we have time to help. [(916) 363-4239](tel:+19163634239) ## Pairs well with Lava: Black Lichen Lava - [Moss Rock Boulders](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/moss-rock/) - [Lava: Lace Lava Boulders](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/lava-lace-lava/) - [Jade Pebbles Cobbles and pebbles](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/jade-pebbles/) - [Lava: Red Lava Boulders](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/lava-red-lava/) ## Lava: Black Lichen Lava questions Still unsure? Call the yard at [(916) 363-4239](tel:+19163634239). We are happy to talk it through. ### Is Black Lichen Lava real lava rock? Yes. It is volcanic rock that cooled into angular black shapes, now covered with green moss and lichen. ### Is lava rock heavy? Lava is full of holes, so it is often lighter than a solid stone of the same size. It is still sold by weight. ### Will the lichen keep growing? It can if it gets some shade and moisture. In hot, dry, full sun it may fade over time. ## More boulders - [Sydney Peak Boulders / Flagstone / Tumbled flagstone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/sydney-peak/) - [Tufa Boulders](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/tufa/) - [Lompoc Boulder Boulders](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/lompoc-boulder/) - [Arizona Sandstone Boulders Boulders](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/arizona-sandstone-boulders/) - [Petrified Wood Boulders](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/petrified-wood/) - [Lava: Planter Lava Boulders](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/lava-planter-lava/) - [Lava: Golden Lace Lava Boulders](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/lava-golden-lace-lava/) - [Sculpture Stone Boulders](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/sculpture-stone/) - [Rainbow Boulders](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/rainbow/) - [Zebra Boulders](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/zebra/) [All boulders](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/boulders/) ## Come see the stone in person Walk the yard with us, bring your measurements and a photo of your house, and we will help you pick stone that fits the project and the budget. 5300 Excelsior Road, Sacramento, CA 95827 [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Mid+Valley+Rock&query_place_id=ChIJhQvD0VfCmoARcSXoEbY0WSc) - **Monday - Friday:** 7:00 am - 4:00 pm - **Saturday:** 7:30 am - 3:00 pm - **Sunday:** Closed