igneous
Polished mahogany obsidian (likely) pendant
Obsidian, natural volcanic glass; compositionally rhyolitic, chiefly silica-rich glass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectPolished, glossy surface with mottled orange-brown, black, and cream areas; obsidian has no crystal structure or cleavage and is about 5–5.5 on the Mohs scale. The mottled pattern may indicate mixed volcanic glass or another polished stone, so identification from the image is uncertain.
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Physical properties
Polished, glossy surface with mottled orange-brown, black, and cream areas; obsidian has no crystal structure or cleavage and is about 5–5.5 on the Mohs scale. The mottled pattern may indicate mixed volcanic glass or another polished stone, so identification from the image is uncertain.
Formation & geological history
Obsidian forms when silica-rich lava cools rapidly, preventing crystals from growing; it is generally geologically young and occurs around volcanic areas.
Uses & applications
Used for jewelry, ornaments, and collectibles; historically, sharp obsidian was fashioned into cutting tools.
Geological facts
Obsidian breaks with a distinctive curved, shell-like fracture and can form edges sharper than many steel blades.
Field identification & locations
Look for glassy luster and conchoidal fracture; common sources include Mexico, the western United States, Iceland, and other volcanic regions. This appears to be a shaped and polished pendant, not a raw specimen.
