This material, also known as Volcanic Tuff and the trade name "Rainbow Rock", is a light-colored material that began as volcanic ash. Millions of years ago, volcanic ash explosively erupted and spewed from the mouth of a volcano. Then it was exposed and subjected to heat and pressure and eventually turned to stone. This material features bright flow bands of reds and oranges in a cream background. The resulting color occurs when the material is exposed to high concentrations of iron oxides. The resulting colorful patterns are completely created by nature. The material is then cut and shaped by craftsmen in various forms for display in your home. The name rhyolite comes from the Greeks by joining the word "rhyax" (stream), due to its beautiful flow bands, with "lite" a common mineral suffix.