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.

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Obsidian

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

Obsidian has a conchoidal fracture that allows it to break into edges sharper than surgical steel.

Obsidian forms when lava cools incredibly fast, preventing crystal growth and creating a smooth, natural glass.

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

Discover rocks born from fiery volcanoes! These amazing formations are created when super-hot magma or lava cools down and hardens.

Vitreous Luster

These minerals sparkle with a beautiful, glass-like shine! Imagine looking at a clean piece of glass, and you'll know what vitreous luster looks like.

Natural

These are wonderful things that come straight from the Earth, shaped by wind, water, and sun! Everything from towering trees to tiny pebbles is part of our natural world.