What's That Rock?Rhyolite
A light-colored volcanic rock with the same chemistry as granite but very fine grains, because it cooled quickly.
How to identify Rhyolite
- Fine-grained and often banded from flowing lava
- May contain small visible quartz or feldspar crystals
- Lighter in color than basalt
Often confused with
Is Rhyolite valuable?
Common.
What changes the price
- Common rock: low value as a specimen
- Decorative types (such as 'rainforest' or 'leopard skin' rhyolite) sell as polished pieces for a few dollars
- Landscape stone is priced by the ton
Uses
- Building stone, decoration
Care
Safe to wash.
Identifying a stone from a description or a photo is an estimate. Many stones look alike. Ask an expert or a gem lab before you buy, sell or rely on an identification.
Updated October 2026