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Obsidian and Soapstone Definition


Soapstone and Obsidian Definition


Definition

Definition
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   
It is a metamorphic magnesium rich rock because it is composed of the mineral talc   

History
  
  

Origin
Ethiopia   
USA   

Discoverer
Obsius   
Unknown   

Etymology
From Latin obsidianus, misprint of Obsianus (lapis) (stone) of Obsius   
From 17th century, because of its greasy feel and use like a soap   

Class
Igneous Rocks   
Metamorphic Rocks   

Sub-Class
Durable Rock, Medium Hardness Rock   
Durable Rock, Soft Rock   

Family
  
  

Group
Volcanic   
Not Applicable   

Other Categories
Opaque Rock   
Fine Grained Rock, Opaque Rock   

Texture >>
<< Summary

Definition of Obsidian and Soapstone

The general Obsidian and Soapstone definition can be stated as: 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. On the other hand, It is a metamorphic magnesium rich rock because it is composed of the mineral talc. Along with definition of Obsidian and Soapstone, get to know about Properties of Obsidian and Soapstone. Get to know more information about Obsidian and Soapstone origin and discoverer, etymology and class.

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History of Obsidian and Soapstone

The history of Obsidian and Soapstone gives information about where the rock was found and who was its discoverer. Almost each and every aspect of Earth's history is recorded in rocks be it the volcanoes which were erupted or the plants, animals and organisms which are now extinct, as rocks are present from millions of years.

Obsidian and Soapstone Origin and Discoverer

Obsidian and Soapstone definition gives us a brief idea about the two rocks. In some cases, the definition also gives summary about the Formation of Obsidian and Soapstone. In this section, you will know about Obsidian and Soapstone Origin and Discoverer. Origin of Obsidian is Ethiopia whereas Origin of Soapstone is USA. It is interesting to know the name of Obsidian and Soapstone discoverer. The Discoverer of Obsidian is Obsius and the discoverer of Soapstone is Unknown.

Etymology of Obsidian and Soapstone

Along with Obsidian and Soapstone definition, know more about the etymology of Obsidian and Soapstone. Etymology of Obsidian and Soapstone gives information about origin and formation of a particular rock. Know more about Formation of Obsidian and Formation of Soapstone. The etymology of Obsidian is From Latin obsidianus, misprint of Obsianus (lapis) (stone) of Obsius while that of Soapstone is From Latin obsidianus, misprint of Obsianus (lapis) (stone) of Obsius. The process of formation of rocks defines the class of rock. All the rocks in a class are formed by similar processes. Obsidian belongs to Igneous Rocks while Soapstone belongs to Metamorphic Rocks. The sub-class, group and other categories of Obsidian and Soapstone are listed below.

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