Abstract: A briquette, and method of making it, for use in gas-fired barbecue grills. The briquette features three desirable characteristics: (1) relative permanency or durability, i.e. it is useable a number of times without physical disintegration or shedding of ash; (2) the desirable heat absorption and radiation characteristics of lava rock; and (3) the ability to impart flavor to the grilled food. Broadly described, the briquette includes from about 60 percent to about 95 percent by weight lava rock fines such as scoria or basalt fines, from about 5 percent to about 15 percent by weight calcium aluminate and/or Portland cement, less than 5 percent by weight starch; and—before drying in manufacture—from about 0.2 percent to about 8 percent by weight water. Ideally, the briquette also includes up to about 10 percent by weight wood particles such as hickory or mesquite shavings. A method for making the inventive briquette is disclosed.