igneous
Rhyolite
Extrusive felsic igneous rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6 on the Mohs scale with a pink, reddish, or light gray color and a dull to glassy luster. It typically exhibits a aphanitic or porphyritic texture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale with a pink, reddish, or light gray color and a dull to glassy luster. It typically exhibits a aphanitic or porphyritic texture.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the rapid cooling of silica-rich lava at the Earth's surface, commonly associated with explosive volcanic eruptions.
Uses & applications
Used in aggregate for construction, lightweight concrete, and sometimes as a decorative landscape stone.
Geological facts
Rhyolite is the extrusive equivalent of granite and often contains trapped gas vesicles that can later fill with minerals like quartz to form agates or opals.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its fine-grained texture, felsic mineral composition, and characteristic pink or tan coloration. Commonly found in volcanic regions worldwide.
