Rhyolite  (a variety of igneous volcanic rock)
Current inventory:  0 gems
 

  
Rhyolite is named from the Greek words "rhuax" for "stream" or "to flow" and "lithos" for "stone".

Discovery date unknown;   IMA status:  Not Valid (not a mineral)

Chemistry

Chemical Formula:

SiO₂ + K₂O

70–75%  Silicon Dioxide + Potassium Oxide

Classification

Mineral Classification:

Igneous Volcanic Rock (not a mineral)

More Information

Wikipedia.org (Rhyolite)
 

Banded Rhyolite, also known as Wonderstone, is not a mineral but is a fine-grained, light colored igneous, volcanic (extrusive) rock of felsic (silicon-rich) composition that is typically 70-75% SiO₂ (silicon dioxide). Rhyolite is chemically equivalent to granite. It is composed of the minerals Quartz and Orthoclase Feldspar with smaller amounts of Plagioclase Feldspar, Biotite Mica, Amphiboles, and Pyroxenes. Rhyolites that cool too quickly to grow crystals form a natural glass called Obsidian. Rhyolite often consists of wavey bands of light and dark in beautiful colors of tan, brown, orange and red and can be used to create unique cabochons and faceted gems.

Rhyolite is known from all parts of the Earth and from all geologic ages. It is one of the most common volcanic rocks in continental regions but is virtually absent in the ocean basins.
 

  
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