Paras, a mineral-rich rock made from ash deposited by volcanic eruptions, can be found everywhere in Bali. It is a lightweight, easily carved stone that is traditionally quarried from river banks, and used as a building material. The color varies from beige to shades of grey and black. Paras is used to construct temples, palaces, houses, ornamental walls and statues, often decorated with carved images.
Paras also plays a role in Balinese agriculture. Like all volcanic rocks, it contains minerals, which are transported along irrigation canals to the rice paddies, where it provides phosphate and potassium fertilizer to the crops. Paras is Bali’s secret ingredient!