Extensive Definition
Felsite 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 grey, reds to tan and may include any color
except dark grey, green or black (the colors of traprock). 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
volcanic origin, and
may be found in association with obsidian and rhyolite. In some cases, it is
sufficiently fine-grained for use in making stone
tools.
References
felsite in Finnish: Felsiitti