Obsidian

Is, essentially, naturally formed glass… but what a dramatic formation. It is thrown up by the eruption of a volcano and the sudden cooling of the lava. It is given further character by those inclusions it picks up in its short metamorphosis. This means that desert sand to give it a rust colour or Cristobalite can give it a snowflake mottle rather than just its usual darting black colour.

It has been used for tens of thousands of years to make sharp tools and blades; as it still is today. It is found pretty much wherever there are volcanoes.

Description: Obsidian can be found in locations which have experienced rhyolitic eruptions. Acigöl town and the G.llü Dag volcano were the most important sources in central Anatolia.

Hardness: 5 – 6 on Mohs Scale