Obsidian

Obsidian is a natural volcanic glass formed by the rapid solidification of silica-rich (SiO₂) lava before it has time to form a crystalline structure. It is an extrusive igneous rock known for its characteristic glassy luster and smooth texture.

Obsidian is most often a deep black color, but brown, green, gray varieties are also found, and sometimes stones with unique patterns or optical effects, such as “snow” (with white cristobalite inclusions) or “rainbow” obsidian (with colored iridescence). A key feature of obsidian is its conchoidal fracture – the ability to form very sharp edges when split.

It is this property that made it an extremely valuable material for ancient civilizations. Obsidian has been used for thousands of years to make tools and weapons: arrowheads and spearheads, knives, scrapers. Archaeological finds of obsidian artifacts testify to developed trade routes and the high skill of their creators.

Today, obsidian remains a popular material. Due to its relative hardness (5-6 on the Mohs scale), beautiful shine and lack of cleavage, it is used in jewelry, mainly for the manufacture of cabochons, beads and inlays. It is also used to create decorative objects - polished specimens, figurines, decorative elements.

Collectors value obsidian for its geological origin, variety of colors and unique visual effects, which makes it an interesting addition to any mineralogical collection.