Natural Black Obsidian Crow Skull Quartz Crystal Figurine

is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed as an extrusive igneous rock. It is produced when felsic lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth. Obsidian is commonly found within the margins of rhyolitic lava flows known as obsidian flows, where the chemical composition induces a high viscosity and polymerization degree of the lava.

Obsidian is mineral-like, but not a true mineral because as a glass it is not crystalline; in addition, its composition is too complex to classify as a mineral. It is sometimes classified as a mineraloid. Though obsidian is usually dark in color, similar to mafic rocks such as basalt, obsidian's composition is extremely felsic. Obsidian consists mainly of SiO2 (silicon dioxide), usually 70% or more. Crystalline rocks with similar composition include granite and rhyolite. Because obsidian is metastable at the Earth's surface, no obsidian has been found that is older than Cretaceous age. This breakdown of obsidian is accelerated by the presence of water.

Obsidian has been used by ancient people for making tools, mirrors, jewelry, and ritual objects. It was also used ceremonially as in the case of the ancient Mesoamericans who used it for constructing masks, among many other uses. Obsidian was valued for its sharp cutting edge, and was widely traded. It has been found in Turkey from as far back as the end of the 7th millennium BC.

Today, obsidian is still used for blades in some surgical scalpels. It is also used to create sculptures and jewelry. Small pieces of obsidian are extremely sharp and have been used as surgical blades with great precision.

Obsidian is also used in the creation of ultra-thin, high-quality, lightweight mirrors. These mirrors are preferred in many telescopes and spectrometers. Large and precise pieces can be cut into various shapes for ornamental applications or as gemstones.

In addition to its practical uses, obsidian has also been used as a spiritual tool in various cultures. It is believed to have metaphysical properties, such as the ability to protect against negativity and to provide insight into the future. It has been used for scrying, or looking into the future, as well as for healing and releasing emotional blockages.

Overall, obsidian is a unique and versatile material with a rich history of use in cultural, practical, and spiritual applications. Its physical properties and metaphysical associations make it a valuable and intriguing substance.

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