Obsidian vs Andesite

Obsidian vs Andesite Information

Earth’s outer layer is covered by rocks and these rocks have different physical and chemical properties. As two rocks are not same, it’s fun to compare them. You can also know more about Obsidian and Andesite Reserves. Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed as an extrusive igneous rock. It is produced when felsic lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimum crystal growth. Andesite is a dark, fine-grained, brown or greyish intermediate volcanic rock which is a commonly found in lava. These rocks are composed of many distinct minerals. The process of formation of rocks is different for various rocks. Rocks are quarried from many years for various purposes. You can check out Obsidian vs Andesite information and Obsidian vs Andesite characteristics in the upcoming sections.

Obsidian vs Andesite Characteristics

Though some rocks look identical, they have certain characteristics which distinguish them from others. Characteristics of rocks include texture, appearance, color, fracture, streak, hardness etc. Obsidian vs Andesite characteristics assist us to distinguish and recognize rocks. Also you can check about Properties of Obsidian and Properties of Andesite. Learn more about Obsidian vs Andesite in the next section. The interior uses of Obsidian include Decorative aggregates and Interior decoration whereas the interior uses of Andesite include Decorative aggregates, Floor tiles, Homes, Interior decoration and Kitchens. Due to some exceptional properties of Obsidian and Andesite, they have various applications in construction industry. The uses of Obsidian in construction industry include Arrowheads, Cutting tool, Knives, Scrapers, Spear points and that of Andesite include Cobblestones, Construction aggregate, For road aggregate.

More about Obsidian and Andesite

Here you can know more about Obsidian and Andesite. The life cycle of a rock consists of formation of rock, composition of rock and transformation of rock. The composition of Obsidian and Andesite consists of mineral content and compound content. The mineral content of Obsidian is not available and mineral content of Andesite includes Amphibole, Apatite, Biotite, Feldspar, Garnet, Hornblade, Ilmenite, Magnetite, Plagioclase, Pyroxene, Zircon. You can also check out the list of all Igneous Rocks. When we have to compare Obsidian vs Andesite, the texture, color and appearance plays an important role in determining the type of rock. Obsidian is available in black, blue, brown, green, orange, red, tan, yellow colors whereas, Andesite is available in bluish - grey, grey, pink, yellow colors. Appearance of Obsidian is Shiny and that of Andesite is Dull and Soft. Properties of rock is another aspect for Obsidian vs Andesite. The hardness of Obsidian is 5-5.5 and that of Andesite is 7. The types of Obsidian are Fireworks Obsidian, Mahogany, Sheen Obsidian, Snowflake obsidian and Velvet Peacock Obsidian whereas types of Andesite are Icelandite. Streak of rock is the color of powder produced when it is dragged across an unweathered surface. The streak of Obsidian and Andesite is white. The specific heat capacity of Obsidian is 0.92 kJ/Kg K and that of Andesite is 2.39 kJ/Kg K. Depending on the properties like hardness, toughness, specific heat capacity, porosity etc., rocks are resistant to heat, wear, impact, etc.Obsidian is heat resistant, impact resistant whereas Andesite is heat resistant, pressure resistant, wear resistant.