Description
OBSIDIAN SEAL
This is the carved obsidian seal figurine. Dimensions: 2.5 x 1.1 x 1.0″ (6.3 x 2.8 x 2.5cm). Weight – 1.3oz (37 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.