Rhyolite is a stone whose crystals cannot be seen with the naked eye, however its attractive gray to reddish color and microcrystalline texture have made it highly appreciated for covering buildings and sculptures, thanks to its hardness and firmness, this peculiar stone , which is formed from the intervention of fire at great depths in the earth’s crust, has an essential mineral such as quartz, a primordial element in granite.
It is a fine-grained to vitreous acidic volcanic rock, formed by feldspar and high concentrations of silica. Silica is quartz, rhyolite crystals are microscopic. It is formed from volcanic eruptions as granite and ash, they are the result of viscous magma. Rapid cooling and solidification results in the formation of a fine-grained or glass-like mineral, found primarily in volcanic lava.
Its name comes from the Greek »Rio» which is »rhyax» in Greek means current, and »Lita» which is »lithos» in Greek means rock. Rhyolite is an igneous rock, these have strips that were formed when the lava traveled short distances, after the eruption that brought it to the earth’s surface. It has a faint luminous glow.
This stone is handled in industrialization for uses in civil engineering, such as architectural coating, urban designs and for ornamental purposes, such as veneer rock. Another constructive element that encompasses its usefulness is in pavements, due to its great resistance; also in columns it adds a great firmness and splendor.
The highest concentration of rhyolite is found in New Zealand. There are some sulfur-rich springs that are the remains of a major eruption. A cloud of gas spread through the air, spewing lava across the area. The lava hardened into rhyolite.
It belongs to the family of granites, because they have the same composition, they have the same minerals and the same light colors. Among its properties is, if charged with steam, rhyolite produces a noisy eruption and expels clouds of ash and steam.
Our ancestors found various applications in this stone, using it to make tools such as knives and arrowheads, and today, in some rituals it is used in a mystical way representing fire, because it is a volcanic stone.
In the field of goldsmithing it has been widely accepted, since it is a precious mineral, in the manufacture of pendulums for its spiritual powers, and in various jewelry.
Feng shui considers it as a healing instrument, due to its high concentrations of quartz, also using it to renew the energies of the aura, bring changes and transformation. Its varied colors stimulate creativity, indicate variety and progress.
Also known as the stone of currents, due to its bubbles and rich layers of crystal, many prefer to carry it, as it has healing properties. It serves to attract good luck and change of life. It is a wonderful stone for healing and protection.