Imagine having the power to examine and learn about geological specimens from the comfort of your computer screen. With our cutting-edge technology, we bring you a captivating and immersive experience that lets you explore rock specimens from every angle. Our 360-degree images provide an unprecedented level of detail, allowing learners to rotate and explore these geological marvels as if they were right in front of you.
See our geologist selected 1" samples and 3" hand samples of Obsidian.
Obsidian has a vitreous or glassy luster, which gives it a shiny and reflective appearance. This characteristic is a result of its rapid cooling from a molten state, preventing the formation of crystalline structures. As you rotate the rock, this glassy appearance is shown with the reflection of the light.
This is one of the most distinctive features of obsidian and can be found very clearly in the rock specimen above. When it breaks, it forms smooth, curved surfaces that resemble the shape of a clamshell. This unique fracture pattern has made obsidian historically valuable for crafting sharp tools and arrowheads.
Due to its conchoidal fracture and lack of crystalline structure, obsidian can be sharpened to an incredibly fine edge. This property made it a preferred material for cutting and piercing tools among various ancient cultures.