1 Definition
1.1 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
1.2 History
1.2.1 Origin
Ethiopia
1.2.2 Discoverer
Obsius
1.3 Etymology
From Latin obsidianus, misprint of Obsianus (lapis) (stone) of Obsius
1.4 Class
Igneous Rocks
1.4.1 Sub-Class
Durable Rock, Medium Hardness Rock
1.5 Family
1.5.1 Group
Volcanic
1.6 Other Categories
Opaque Rock
2 Texture
2.1 Texture
Glassy
2.2 Color
Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Red, Tan, Yellow
2.3 Maintenance
Less
2.4 Durability
Durable
2.4.1 Water Resistant
✔
✘
81% - Igneous Rocks Rocks have it !
▶
2.4.2 Scratch Resistant
✔
✘
86% - Igneous Rocks Rocks have it !
▶
2.4.3 Stain Resistant
✔
✘
66% - Igneous Rocks Rocks have it !
▶
2.4.4 Wind Resistant
✔
✘
49% - Igneous Rocks Rocks have it !
▶
2.4.5 Acid Resistant
✔
✘
48% - Igneous Rocks Rocks have it !
▶
2.5 Appearance
Shiny
3 Uses
3.1 Architecture
3.1.1 Interior Uses
Decorative Aggregates, Interior Decoration
3.1.2 Exterior Uses
Garden Decoration
3.1.3 Other Architectural Uses
Not Yet Used
3.2 Industry
3.2.1 Construction Industry
Arrowheads, Cutting Tool, Knives, Scrapers, Spear Points
3.2.2 Medical Industry
Surgery
3.3 Antiquity Uses
Artifacts, Jewellery
3.4 Other Uses
3.4.1 Commercial Uses
Creating Artwork, Mirror, Used in aquariums
4 Types
4.1 Types
Fireworks Obsidian, Mahogany, Sheen Obsidian, Snowflake obsidian and Velvet Peacock Obsidian
4.2 Features
Blocks negativity, Helps to protect against depression
4.3 Archaeological Significance
4.3.1 Monuments
Not Yet Used
4.3.2 Famous Monuments
Not Applicable
4.3.3 Sculpture
Not Yet Used
4.3.4 Famous Sculptures
Not Applicable
4.3.5 Pictographs
Used
4.3.6 Petroglyphs
Used
4.3.7 Figurines
Not Yet Used
4.4 Fossils
Absent
5 Formation
5.1 Formation
When the lava is released from volcano, it undergoes a very rapid cooling which freezes the mechanisms of crystallization. The result is a volcanic glass with a uniform smooth texture.
5.2 Composition
5.2.1 Mineral Content
Not Available
5.2.2 Compound Content
Aluminium Oxide, CaO, Iron(III) Oxide, FeO, Potassium Oxide, MgO, MnO, Sodium Oxide, Phosphorus Pentoxide, Silicon Dioxide, Titanium Dioxide
5.3 Transformation
5.3.1 Metamorphism
✔
✘
97% - Igneous Rocks Rocks have it !
▶
5.3.2 Types of Metamorphism
Burial Metamorphism, Cataclastic Metamorphism, Contact Metamorphism
5.3.3 Weathering
✔
✘
99% - Igneous Rocks Rocks have it !
▶
5.3.4 Types of Weathering
Biological Weathering, Chemical Weathering, Mechanical Weathering
5.3.5 Erosion
✔
✘
92% - Igneous Rocks Rocks have it !
▶
5.3.6 Types of Erosion
Chemical Erosion, Coastal Erosion, Glacier Erosion
6 Properties
6.1 Physical Properties
6.1.1 Hardness
6.1.2 Grain Size
Not Applicable
6.1.3 Fracture
Conchoidal
6.1.4 Streak
White
6.1.5 Porosity
Very Less Porous
6.1.6 Luster
Vitreous
6.1.7 Compressive Strength
0.15 N/mm2
Rank: 33 (Overall) ▶
0.15
450
6.1.8 Cleavage
Non-Existent
6.1.9 Toughness
Not Available
6.1.10 Specific Gravity
6.1.11 Transparency
Translucent
6.1.12 Density
6.2 Thermal Properties
6.2.1 Specific Heat Capacity
0.92 kJ/Kg K
Rank: 10 (Overall) ▶
0.14
3.2
6.2.2 Resistance
Heat Resistant, Impact Resistant
7 Reserves
7.1 Deposits in Eastern Continents
7.1.1 Asia
Afghanistan, Indonesia, Japan, Russia
7.1.2 Africa
Kenya
7.1.3 Europe
Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Turkey
7.1.4 Others
Not Yet Found
7.2 Deposits in Western Continents
7.2.1 North America
Canada, Mexico, USA
7.2.2 South America
Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Peru
7.3 Deposits in Oceania Continent
7.3.1 Australia
New Zealand