Obsidian is a natural glass of volcanic origin formed at the time of solidification of lava when it cools very quickly. It is usually black although it can have brown, green and reddish tones due to the presence of magnetite or hematite (iron oxide). It can also contain spherical inclusions of other minerals of grayish tones, characteristic that gives it the name of Nevada Obsidian. Sometimes golden or silver reflections can be seen, as a result of the gas bubbles or pores it may contain.
Because of its fracture properties and hardness (5-5.5 on the Mohs scale), obsidian was used by ancient cultures to make tools, weapons and ornamentation.
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