What Is Magma?
3. Rhyolitic
Rhyolitic magma contains high levels of sodium and potassium and is low in magnesium, iron, and calcium. It also has high levels of silica that help make it highly viscous. Also identified as felsic magma, it occurs at a temperature range of between 650C to 800C. When this magma is high in gas, it can erupt explosively, forming pumice.
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If its flow is very porous, it can cause the gases to escape and allow the formation of smooth and dark obsidian. Rhyolite is comparable to granite and is also used as aggregate for construction work. Pumice stones are commonly used for cosmetic purposes, while obsidian is often made into jewelry.
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