Description
OBSIDIAN FROG
This is the carved obsidian frog figurine. Dimensions: 2.2 x 1.8 x 1.2″ (5.5 x 4.5 x 3.1cm). Weight – 2.8oz (78 grams). Origin: Russia, Siberia.
Some information about obsidian:
Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed as an extrusive igneous rock.
Obsidian is produced when felsic lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth. It is commonly found within the margins of rhyolitic lava flows known as obsidian flows, where the chemical composition (high silica content) causes a high viscosity, which, upon rapid cooling, results in a natural glass forming from the lava. The inhibition of atomic diffusion through this highly viscous lava explains the lack of crystal growth.
Obsidian is hard, brittle, and amorphous; it therefore fractures with sharp edges. In the past, it was used to manufacture cutting and piercing tools, and it has been used experimentally as surgical scalpel blades.