OBSIDIAN

Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed when lava rich in silica cools rapidly, with minimal crystal growth. It is typically jet-black in color, though impurities can produce varieties like mahogany (red-brown), snowflake (white cristobalite patterns), or rainbow (iridescent sheen).

Key Properties:

• Hardness: ~5–6 on the Mohs scale

• Fracture: Conchoidal (shell-like, producing extremely sharp edges)

• Appearance: Glassy luster, often translucent in thin flakes

Uses & History:

• Prehistoric Tools: Used by ancient cultures for arrowheads, knives, and scrapers due to its sharpness.

• Modern Applications: Surgical scalpels (sharper than steel), decorative carvings, and gemstones.

• Metaphysical Beliefs: Often associated with protection, grounding, and emotional healing.

Interesting Fact: Obsidian is not considered a mineral because it lacks a crystalline structure; it is a mineraloid.