Description
OBSIDIAN PENDANT
This is the black obsidian pendant. Metal – nickel silver. Dimensions: 1.2 x 0.9 x 0.1″ (3 x 2.3 x 0.3cm). Weight – 0.2oz (5 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.
