- Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed when lava cools so rapidly that mineral crystals do not have time to grow. This rapid cooling creates a smooth, dark glass with a glossy appearance and conchoidal (shell-like) fracture pattern.
- The stone typically appears black, though variations can include brown, tan, green, and even rainbow-colored sheen. Its chemical composition primarily consists of silicon dioxide (SiO2), similar to regular glass, but includes traces of other minerals that contribute to its diverse colorations.
- Ancient peoples prized obsidian for its ability to be worked into extremely sharp edges – sharper than modern surgical steel. Native Americans, ancient Mexicans, and many other civilizations used it extensively for tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects. The Aztecs crafted elaborate obsidian mirrors used in religious ceremonies, and archaeological evidence shows extensive obsidian trade networks across continents.
- Today, obsidian still finds limited use in modern surgical scalpels, though its primary value lies in jewelry, decorative objects, and as a collector’s stone. Geologists use obsidian for dating techniques, as the stone’s water content slowly increases at a measurable rate after formation, allowing them to determine its age.
- Major obsidian deposits can be found near volcanic regions worldwide, with significant sources in Mexico, Italy, Iceland, New Zealand, and throughout the western United States, particularly in Oregon and California.
