What is "fiorite"

Fiorite \Fi"o*rite\, n. (Min.) A variety of opal occuring in the cavities of volcanic tufa, in smooth and shining globular and botryoidal masses, having a pearly luster; -- so called from Fiora, in Ischia.

n. (context mineral English) A variety of opal occurring in the cavities of volcanic tufa, in smooth and shining globular and botryoidal masses.

Fiorite is a hydrated silica rock, a form of opal, found in cavities in volcanic tuff . It is a globular, botryoidal or stalactic concretionary form of opal. It has a pearly lustre and forms botryoidal masses. It was named after Santa Fiora, in Italy. It is used as a gemstone.