Obsidian
ExploreMineral
Obsidian
Obsidian is a shiny black rock that forms from cooled lava. It looks like glass and can be very smooth!
Appearance
The Obsidian is a natural volcanic glass, typically deep black, but can also be brown, green, or red. It has a distinctive glassy luster and often breaks with incredibly sharp, curved edges. Some types display beautiful iridescent "rainbow" sheens.
KingdomAnimalia
Category
MineralRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient doctors used obsidian blades for precise surgery thousands of years ago!
Because it's so smooth, ancient people polished obsidian to make some of the first mirrors!
It forms so fast from lava, it doesn't even have time to grow crystals like other rocks.
Obsidian can be found in many places, including the bottom of oceans!
Special abilities
Ability
Super Sharpness
Obsidian has a conchoidal fracture that allows it to break into edges sharper than surgical steel.
Ability
Lava Lens
Obsidian forms when lava cools incredibly fast, preventing crystal growth and creating a smooth, natural glass.
Ability
Rainbow Glimmer
Tiny bubbles or mineral inclusions in some obsidian scatter light, creating stunning rainbow or snowflake patterns.
Measurements & details
- Color Range
- black, brown, green, red, rainbow iridescence
- Hardness
- 5
- Luster
- vitreous
- Specific Gravity
- 2.5
Traits
Igneous
Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma or lava).
Vitreous Luster
Vitreous luster describes a mineral's appearance when reflecting light, resembling glass, often translucent or transparent.
Natural
Natural refers to organisms, materials, or phenomena existing or produced by nature, not artificially created.
Also known as
Natural GlassVolcanic Glass
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Handle gently and avoid sharp edges. Ask an adult before picking anything up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors can Obsidian be?
black, brown, green, red, rainbow iridescence
How hard is Obsidian?
5
What kind of luster does Obsidian have?
vitreous
What is Obsidian's specific gravity?
2.5
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