Here's why:

* Mafic refers to rocks rich in magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe). These minerals are typically darker in color.

* Basalt is a mafic igneous rock with high amounts of magnesium and iron.

* Rhyolite is a felsic igneous rock with a high silica (SiO2) content. It has a lower percentage of magnesium and iron compared to basalt.

Therefore, rhyolite is less mafic than basalt.