Tachylite

Tachylite from the Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii (width of the section shown about 9 cm)

Tachylite ( Gr. Ταχύς = fast and λίθος = stone) is a black-green to black volcanic glass with basaltic chemistry. It was first described by August Breithaupt in 1826. Tachylites arise from the rapid cooling of basaltic lavas , for example through contact with seawater, which prevents the formation of crystals . Like all volcanic glasses, tachylites are unstable; They absorb water over long geological periods and are thereby palagonized .

literature

• Hans Murawski: Geological Dictionary . 8th completely revised and expanded edition. Deutsche Taschenbuch-Verlag et al., Munich et al. 1983, ISBN 3-423-03038-0 , p. 218.
• Walter Maresch, Olaf Medenbach: Rocks . With the collaboration of Hans Dieter Trochim. Edited by Gunter Steinbach . New, edited special edition. Mosaik-Verlag, Munich 1987, ISBN 3-576-10699-5 , p. 140 ( Steinbach's natural guide ).