Rhyolite
Rhyolite is igneous (volcanic, felsic). In the hand, it rates 6 to 7 (aggregate) on the Mohs scale, and it runs green and cream. Patterned volcanic rock with angular patches, flow bands, or starburst orbs in mossy green-cream-tan palettes. Volcanic terrains; rainforest jasper from Mount Hay, Australia; bird's eye from Mexico.
The geology.
Rhyolite carries the formula . It belongs to the, system. On paper it is igneous (volcanic, felsic).
It sits at 6 to 7 (aggregate) on the Mohs scale. The surface reads dull to waxy. Light behaviour is opaque. Specific gravity runs 2.4 to 2.6. The streak is,. It breaks with uneven fracture.
Patterned volcanic rock with angular patches, flow bands, or starburst orbs in mossy green-cream-tan palettes.
Expect to see it as tumbled, palm stones, spheres or slabs.
The origins.
Volcanic terrains; rainforest jasper from Mount Hay, Australia; bird's eye from Mexico.
On value, the database notes: common and affordable.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with change and self-realization.
Recorded here because it is part of how this material is sold, not because it is a property of the material.
Spotting the real thing.
Patterned volcanic rock with angular patches, flow bands, or starburst orbs in mossy green-cream-tan palettes.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Ocean jasper | Ocean jasper orbs are tight concentric circles in chalcedony; rhyolite orbs are radiating starbursts in duller stone |
| Kambaba jasper | Kambaba is darker green-on-green |
| Granite | Granite is coarse-grained throughout, not patterned patches |
At-home tests.
None of these need a lab. A 10x loupe, good daylight and a steady hand cover most of what a buyer needs to know about rhyolite.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Scratch check | Mixed hardness zones (silica patches scratch glass; matrix duller) |
| Look for bubbles | Flow-banded or spherulitic patterns |
| Acid check | No fizz |
Stop short of anything that leaves a mark. A gemologist can answer the rest without damaging the stone.
Care & handling.
At 6 to 7 (aggregate) on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with uneven fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Skip the ultrasonic. Lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth handle routine cleaning without risk.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is . Crystal system:,. Specific gravity: 2.4 to 2.6. Streak:,. Cleavage and fracture: Uneven fracture.
How it reaches the market
Volcanic terrains; rainforest jasper from Mount Hay, Australia; bird's eye from Mexico.
What it gets confused with
Ocean jasper: Ocean jasper orbs are tight concentric circles in chalcedony; rhyolite orbs are radiating starbursts in duller stone. Kambaba jasper: Kambaba is darker green-on-green. Granite: Granite is coarse-grained throughout, not patterned patches.
What it is worth
Common and affordable.
One more thing
The orbs in 'rainforest jasper' are spherulites, radial crystal fireworks frozen as lava glass devitrified.
An education-first guide.
We do not carry rhyolite. This page exists because the question comes up and the honest answer is worth writing down, whether or not there is anything here to sell you.
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