Rochlitz Porphyry

Rochlitz Porphyry is a solidified pyroclastic flow (ignimbrite) that erupted here during the Rotliegend age around 290 million years ago. The rock has a high quartz content (75 – 85 % SiO2) and occurs in a variety of colours: light red, light brown and yellow. Since the early Middle Ages it has been used in many ecclesiastical and secular buildings. Rochlitz Porphyry is easy to carve and highly resistant to weathering, which makes it an ideal stone for masonry.

Text: Günther Schwerdtner (Heimatverein Mogelin)