On the show , we discussed obsidian on the “do you know” segment, let’s just have fun flowing in this together.
Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed as an extrusive igneous rock.
It is produced when felsic lava ( felsic refers to igneous rocks that are relatively rich in elements that form feldspar and quartz) extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimum crystal growth. Obsidian is commonly found within the margins of rhyolitic lava flows known as obsidian flows, where the chemical composition (high silica content) induces a high viscosity and polymerization degree of the lava. The inhibition of atomic diffusion through this highly viscous and polymerized lava explains the lack of crystal growth. Obsidian is hard and brittle; it therefore fractures with very sharp edges, which were used in the past in cutting and piercing tools, and has been used experimentally as surgical scalpel blades.
Origin and properties
Obsidian is the rock formed as a result of quickly cooled lava, which is the parent material. Having a low water content when newly formed typically less than 1% water by weight, obsidian becomes progressively hydrated when exposed to groundwater, forming perlite . (Perlite is an amorphous volcanic glass that has a relatively high water content, typically formed
Pure obsidian is usually dark in appearance, though the color varies depending on the presence of impurities. Iron and magnesium typically give the obsidian a dark brown to black color. Very few samples are nearly colorless. In some stones, the inclusion of small, white, radially clustered crystals of cristobalite in the black glass produce a blotchy or snowflake pattern (snowflake obsidian). It may contain patterns of gas bubbles remaining from the lava flow, aligned along layers created as the molten rock was flowing before being cooled. These bubbles can produce interesting effects such as a golden sheen (sheen obsidian). An iridescent, rainbow-like sheen (rainbow obsidian) is caused by inclusions of magnetite nanoparticles.
Obsidian arrowhead, The first archaeological evidence known of usage were made from within Kariandusi and other sites of the Acheulian age (beginning 1.5 million years previously) dated 700,000 BC, although the number of objects found at these sites were very low relative to the Neolithic. Some of its other uses include : plates, swords, tool
Though not approved, obsidian is used by some surgeons for scalpel blades, as well-crafted obsidian blades have a cutting edge many times sharper than high-quality steel surgical scalpels, the cutting edge of the blade being only about 3 nanometers thick.Even the sharpest metal knife has a jagged, irregular blade when viewed under a strong enough microscope; when examined even under an electron microscope an obsidian blade is still smooth and even.One study found that obsidian incisions produced fewer inflammatory cells and less granulation tissue at 7 days, in a group of rats.
Well , this should be enough info for you who wish to a little about obsidian, keep checking out this blog for further information on points given on “do you know segment “.
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