Rhyolite, as it is known to gemologists, is called Rainforest Jasper to jewelry makers. With fantastic coloring of browns and greens this stone makes you feel like you are in the rainforest. These stones were are cut in a Russian cross design with great looking freshwater pearls that shimmer between each cross. A silver plated heart toggle clasp finishes the necklace to 19": in length. The earrings are sterling silver ball posts with a single dangle of the rainforest jasper and freshwater pearl.

Though at first glance it might look like jasper, rhyolite is an igneous rock with high silica content - chemically identical to granite. It cooled from a molten state too quickly for crystals to form. Because rhyolitic magma and lava are so thick, they tend to build up pressure until a gas explosion in the volcano throws them all over the place in particles ranging from ash all the way up to big blocky chunks. The stone's mossy greens, browns and grays are reminiscent of a rainforest, and it presents interesting banding.

Rhyolite represents change, variety and progress. It is said to light the fire of creativity within the soul and help with self-realization; it's believed to balance the emotions and increase self-respect, self-worth and the capacity to love. Rhyolite occurs largely in the U.S.A.

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