Can we use just any Lava Rock?

I have found several pieces of lava around the area. I have been wonder If I wire brush it and then possibly boil it for say 10 minutes. What it is say that would make good base rock. I know that it would time to make it live rock for a tank. I am wonder if i do this and put in a tank by itself what water test should i do to make sure it is safe to add to my reef? I have heard of soaking them in vinegar but i don't think to easy to get the vinegar back out of the rock Any thought? ideas? has someone done this before?

Lava rock can contain metals and is made up mostly of silicates. All reef rock is calcium carbonate, previously living coral, and mostly metal free.

ive heard of many people using utah lace rock as base rock - not sure about the lava rock - like Tim mentioned, who knows what kind of hard metals are in it!!!

I agree. I wouldnt use lava rock because it could have all kinds of things in it.

I have forgotten that I have a cousin that is a geologist. I should ask him what kind of rocks around here are made of calcium carbonate. He may also have a test I can do on them to see. I will let you know what he says.

Emailed the geologist and ask my questions. I have a feeling this will be interesting.

I think lava rock taken from the ocean is probably ok, like the rock on Hawaii, but inland rock is risky, good to consult a geologist.

The lava rock sold at the lfs is fine to use. Places such as Carib sea sell the right stuff. It comes from Hawaii as Spiny said. Make sure that you remember that calcium carbonate rock doesnt buffer the ph or hardness of a reeftank. This is done by the salt mix. You will be told you need to have calcium carbonate rock for it's buffering capacity, which simply isnt true. I love the look of lava rock used in a reef tank, but I wont have a ton of it in mine, because of the cost. The calcium carbonate base rock is much cheaper.