Rhyolite
Volcano Learning zone > Volcano Glossary
Rhyolite is the eruptive equivalent of granite and has a silica content of 68%. Indicative minerals are Quartz,Feldspars and Micas and it erupts at around 700-850 which makes it one of the cooler lavas! Rhyolite is associated with volcanic activity in continental settings such as subduction,collision and sub continetal hotspots. Eruptions are often violent due to the high viscosity making it difficult for gases to escape gradually. Rhyolite can also erupt effusively to form Obsidian (Volcanic glass) or pumice.Flow banding may be present.