What Color is Obsidian?

The Basics of Obsidian

Obsidian is a type of igneous rock that is formed when molten lava cools quickly. It is a natural glass that is formed from the cooling of lava from volcanoes. It is very hard, with a hardness rating of 5-5.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has a glossy black or a dark brownish-black color. It can also contain inclusions of other minerals, such as iron, sulfur, or quartz, which can give it a variety of other colors, including green, red, and blue.

Why is Obsidian Black?

Most obsidian is black because of its chemical composition. It is made up of silica and other minerals that have been fused together by the molten lava. The molten lava cools quickly, forming a glass-like material that is black in color due to the combination of the minerals in it.

Different Colors of Obsidian

Although most obsidian is black, it can come in a variety of other colors due to the presence of different minerals in the molten lava when it cools. For example, if the molten lava contains iron, the obsidian can be a deep red color. If it contains sulfur, the obsidian can be a yellowish color. Quartz inclusions can give the obsidian a variety of other colors, such as green, blue, and even purple.

Uses of Obsidian

Obsidian has many practical uses. It is used in jewelry, for knife blades, and for making arrowheads and spear points. It is also used in the production of certain medical tools, such as scalpels, because of its extremely sharp edges. It is also used to make ornamental objects and sculptures, and it is often used in the production of decorative tiles and mosaics.

Conclusion

Obsidian is a type of igneous rock that is formed when molten lava cools quickly. It has a glossy black or a dark brownish-black color, but it can also contain inclusions of other minerals, such as iron, sulfur, or quartz, which can give it a variety of other colors, including green, red, and blue. It has many practical uses, such as in jewelry, for knife blades, and for making arrowheads and spear points, as well as for decorative objects and sculptures.