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FACTS ABOUT: obsidian obsidian

Definition: obsidian  Play obsidianpronunciation  obsidian is a dark, shiny volcanic glass, often used in jewelry, that fractures
in a smooth, shell-like curve.

Fun Facts


1. What is Obsidian: Obsidian is not a typical rock that forms slowly over time, but rather a completely natural type of glass created when fiery lava from a volcano cools down extremely fast: it is volcanic glass.


2. Super Speedy Cooling: For obsidian to form, lava has to cool down so quickly that the atoms inside don't have enough time to arrange themselves into neat crystals: it is frozen in a rush.


3. et Black and Shiny: Most obsidian is a deep, glossy jet black color with a smooth surface that shines like a mirror when the light hits it: it looks like a polished gemstone.


4. Rainbow Surprises: While most obsidian is black, some rare types can trap tiny gas bubbles or mineral bits inside as they cool, creating magical rainbow colors, silver sheen, or even snowflake patterns: it comes in sparkly varieties.


5. Razor Sharp Edges: When a piece of obsidian breaks, it fractures in a special way that creates edges thinner and sharper than the finest surgical steel scalpel: it is nature's sharpest blade.


6. Ancient Tools: Because it gets so sharp, ancient people all over the world used obsidian chunks to craft incredibly sharp arrowheads, spear points, and cutting tools: it was the ultimate ancient technology.


7. Found Near Volcanoes: You can find natural obsidian deposits all around the world in places where there has been past volcanic activity, especially near flows of thick, sticky lava: you have to look near fiery mountains to find it.