Golden obsidian pebble Mexico AAA

Dimensions:
Approximately 40mm to 60mm

Obsidian is a volcanic rock rich in silica. Different types of obsidian exist, varying due to the chemical composition of the rock. Obsidian is actually a natural glass. It forms during a lava eruption rich in silica with less than 3% water. Upon exiting the volcano, it undergoes very rapid cooling, freezing the crystallization process.

This can be likened to a piece of lava suddenly frozen as it exits the volcano. The direct consequence of this phenomenon is the rock's inability to crystallize. The result is the creation of volcanic glass with a uniform texture, qualified as an amorphous mineral. Furthermore, obsidian has sharp edges and very fine blades. It is a natural mineral with a complex composition.

Thus, obsidian is composed mainly of silicon dioxide, approximately 70% or more. Its fracture is conchoidal (furrowed with curved and concentric striations) and its hardness is 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It has different colors and reflections due to the volcano where it was discovered and its various inclusions. It should be noted that each deposit, linked to a volcano, provides a different type of obsidian.

Green, brown, gray, or black, it can sometimes have golden, silvery, or even rainbow-colored reflections (an effect produced by the presence of hematites or magnesites). Sometimes, two colors of obsidian can also mix.

Traces of obsidian are found in certain cutting tools dating back approximately 2 to 4 million years, particularly in Kenya. During archaeological excavations, knives, arrowheads, and spears have been discovered. Sometimes, obsidian, depending on its composition, can be polished to make rustic mirrors.

As early as 7,000 BCE, obsidian was widely used in surgery due to its cutting properties. Evidence of trepanation, the removal of part of the skull bone either to clean a wound or to allow spirits to enter, has been found.

In Mesopotamia, traces of obsidian blades have been identified as early as 5,000 BCE.

In Egypt, obsidian was brought from the Red Sea, Greece, or Italy. The Egyptians used it for its beauty, mystery, and value. They made the eyes of their statues, notably those in Tutankhamun's mask (1323 BCE). Obsius, returning from Ethiopia, brought back obsidians and decided to name them "obsidianus" in Latin. Obsidian was used for making all sorts of ornamental objects, jewelry, or tools.

However, in Mexico, there is another legend. In times when the indigenous people lacked food, men went hunting where they had to face wild beasts, even mammoths. They left women and children under the protection of the elders. Then, one day, the tribe was attacked by wild and ferocious hyenas. But the elders no longer had weapons when young Obsid, son of the bravest warrior, saw a shiny black stone on the ground. He securely attached it to a piece of wood. He threw this makeshift weapon at one of the hyenas, which howled in pain, scaring away all the others. The whole tribe honored young Obsid and granted him the status of warrior, and the stone was thus named after him.

In the Navajo tribe, obsidian was one of the four sacred stones. The obsidian mountain corresponds to Mount Hesperus. In some of their creation stories, man's heart is said to have been created by the gods with obsidian.

For generations, mages, sorcerers, and prophets have used polished obsidian as a mirror. They claimed to be able to read the future in it. But it was Dr. John Dee (1527 - 1608) who used it again to spread his prophecies. He became very famous, and the story tells that he helped thwart certain conspiracies against the English crown.

The main obsidian deposits are located in Mexico, Madagascar, the United States, etc.

This variety of obsidian is black with golden reflections or sparkles. Its appearance is lustrous, and its reflections stand out particularly in the sun. This stone, mounted on jewelry, is incredibly beautiful.

During archaeological excavations, statuettes of Emperor Augustus (63 BCE / 14 CE) were created for him, the first Roman emperor. This stone has also been found in India, Italy, and on the coasts bordering the ocean in Spain.

Golden obsidian, like all obsidians, is a natural volcanic glass formed from lava and undergoing rapid cooling. It contains more than 75% silica and layers of gas micro-inclusions that cause its golden reflections.

Golden obsidian is not a true mineral, as its chemical content is not constant and it does not form crystals. Its composition varies depending on the volcano from which it originates.

It has a conchoidal fracture, which makes it easy to break. It is not recommended for the manufacture of certain jewelry, particularly ankle bracelets, or even rings. Large cabochons or flat stones particularly enhance this stone.

Golden obsidian is an extrusive rock because it formed above ground due to its contact with cold air or water.