Lava stone is a relatively new countertop material made from volcanic lava stone that's extracted from open air quarries.
The stone is cut into slabs and glazed with enamel, then fired in a kiln at 1300 degrees. As the stone cools, a smooth (shiny or matte) crackled finish develops that gives lava stone its' signature look.
The material is non-porous and highly resistant to stains, scratches and high temperatures. It's popularity comes from the intense colors you can get to fit with your interior design style. You can get any shape you want for your kitchen or bathroom, making each piece unique to your space.
It is very expensive, with much of that cost stemming from shipping from France where Pyrolave is the primary manufacturer.