What is a obsidian?

 Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed as lava cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth.¹ It's an igneous rock, rich in silica and often found within the margins of rhyolitic lava flows.²

Obsidian is known for its:

• Glassy luster: It has a smooth, shiny surface.³
• Sharp edges: It can be easily shaped into sharp tools and weapons.⁴
• Variety of colors: It can be black, brown, red, or even green, depending on the minerals present.⁵

Obsidian has been used by humans for thousands of years, for various purposes including:

• Toolmaking: Its sharp edges made it ideal for creating knives, arrowheads, and other tools.⁶
• Weapons: It was used to make weapons like spears and daggers.⁷
• Ornamental objects: It was used to create jewelry and other decorative items.⁸
• Surgical tools: In ancient times, it was used for delicate surgeries due to its sharp edges.⁹

Today, obsidian is still used in some modern applications, such as:

• Surgical blades: Its sharpness makes it useful for precision cutting in surgery.¹⁰
• Decorative objects: It's used to make jewelry, paperweights, and other decorative items.¹¹

Overall, obsidian is a fascinating natural material with a rich history of human use.