Felsite (also called
felstone [1] is a very fine grained
volcanic rock that may or may not contain larger
crystals. Felsite is a field term for a light colored rock that typically requires
petrographic examination or chemical analysis for more precise definition. Color is generally white through light gray, or red to tan and may include any color except dark gray, green or black (the colors of
trap rock). The mass of the rock consists of a fine-grained
matrix of
felsic materials, particularly
quartz,
sodium and
potassium feldspar, and may be termed a quartz felsite or quartz porphyry if the quartz phenocrysts are present. This rock is typically of
extrusive origin, formed by compaction of fine volcanic ash, and may be found in association with
obsidian and
rhyolite. In some cases, it is sufficiently fine-grained for use in making
stone tools. Its fine texture and felsic components allow for good knapped pieces, much like working
chert, producing
conchoidal fracture.