Obsidian's Uses
Obsidian is a glassy igneous rock that forms when molten rock cools quickly so crystalline structures do not produce. This process also occurs when molten rocks come into contact with water. Obsidian was widely used in ancient civilizations. Many people now use this semi-precious gemstone to create cutting tools and jewelry pieces.
Jewelry
Obsidian is regularly sold as a gemstone to make jewelry. It may be carved to create earrings, pendants, and bracelets. Jewelry makers use tumbled and polished obsidian to make inexpensive jewelry. Since obsidian breaks and scratches easily, it is not an ideal gemstone in jewelry that will be exposed to abrasion. Obsidian gemstones work best in earrings and necklace pendants.
Arrowheads
In ancient times, people discovered that obsidian could be broken into pieces with sharp edges. Obsidian was widely used to create weapons and ceremonial points such as arrowheads. Today, obsidian is used to create replica spearheads. The process for creating pointed tools with stones like obsidian is referred to as knapping.
Knives
Obsidian may be used to make surgical blades. Surgeons favor it over stainless steel since the edge is sharper. The use of obsidian knives during surgeries results in smaller scars for patients and finer incisions. Obsidian is also capable of being used to create razors. This gemstone is fragile when used as a knife and must be sharpened often.
Art
Freshly broken pieces of obsidian are shiny and allow people to see their reflection in them. Ancient people noticed this feature and used obsidian as a mirror. People may ground the obsidian into flat pieces and thoroughly polish it to enhance the reflective capabilities. Obsidian is easy to carve and is used to create sculptures and masks.
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