Definition
A hard, dense volcanic glass formed when lava cools rapidly without crystallizing, typically black or dark brown in color. It has been prized for thousands of years for making sharp tools and decorative objects.
Example Usage
The ancient Aztecs crafted obsidian mirrors and weapons that were highly valued for their sharpness and reflective qualities.
Origin
From Latin 'obsidianus lapis,' named after Obsius, a Roman who supposedly discovered a similar stone in Ethiopia.
Fun Fact
Obsidian can be sharper than surgical steel—archaeologists have found that obsidian blades can be several times more acute than modern scalpels.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
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