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Difference between revisions of "Obsidian"
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[[File:Obsidian.jpg|300px|thumb|Piece of obsidian]] | [[File:Obsidian.jpg|300px|thumb|Piece of obsidian]] | ||
'''Obsidian''' is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed when lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth. It is an igneous rock. | '''Obsidian''' is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed when lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimal [[crystal]] growth. It is an igneous rock. | ||
Obsidian is mineral-like, but not a true mineral because, as a glass, it is not crystalline; in addition, its composition is too variable to be classified as a mineral. It is sometimes classified as a mineraloid. | Obsidian is mineral-like, but not a true mineral because, as a glass, it is not crystalline; in addition, its composition is too variable to be classified as a mineral. It is sometimes classified as a mineraloid. | ||
==Occurrence== | ==Occurrence== | ||
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Pre-Columbian Mesoamericans' use of obsidian was extensive and sophisticated; including carved and worked obsidian for tools and decorative objects. Mesoamericans also made a type of sword with obsidian blades mounted in a wooden body. Called a ''macuahuitl'', the weapon could inflict terrible injuries, combining the sharp cutting edge of an obsidian blade with the ragged cut of a serrated weapon. The pole arm version of this weapon was called ''tepoztopilli''. | Pre-Columbian Mesoamericans' use of obsidian was extensive and sophisticated; including carved and worked obsidian for tools and decorative objects. Mesoamericans also made a type of sword with obsidian blades mounted in a wooden body. Called a ''macuahuitl'', the weapon could inflict terrible injuries, combining the sharp cutting edge of an obsidian blade with the ragged cut of a serrated weapon. The pole arm version of this weapon was called ''tepoztopilli''. | ||
Obsidian mirrors were used by some Aztec priests for [[scrying]], to conjure visions and give [[divination]]s. They were connected with [[Tezcatlipoca]], god of obsidian and [[ritual magic|sorcery]], whose name can be translated from the Nahuatl language as 'Smoking Mirror’. | Obsidian mirrors were used by some Aztec priests for [[scrying]], to conjure visions and give [[divination]]s. They were connected with [[Tezcatlipoca]], god of obsidian and [[ritual magic|sorcery]], whose name can be translated from the Nahuatl language as 'Smoking Mirror’. | ||
[[John Dee]] used a [[scrying]] mirror made of polished obsidian for [[divination]] of the future. | |||
[[Category:Gemstones]] | [[Category:Gemstones]] | ||