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[[Image:Obsidian.jpg|thumb|300px]]'''Obsidian''' is dense [[volcanic]] glass, usually [[rhyolite]] in composition and typically black in color. Compared with window glass, obsidian is rich in iron and magnesium; tiny (<.005 mm) crystals of iron oxide within the glass cause its dark color.  

[[Image:Obsidian.jpg|thumb|300px]]

'''Obsidian''' is dense [[volcano|volcanic]] [[glass]], usually [[rhyolite]] in composition and typically [[black]] in color. Compared with window glass, obsidian is rich in [[iron]] and [[magnesium]]; tiny (<.005 mm) crystals of iron oxide within the glass cause its dark color.  

Obsidian is often formed in rhyolite lava flows where the lava cools so fast that crystals do not have time to grow. Glass, unlike crystals, has no regular structure and therefore fractures in smooth conchoidal (curved) shapes. The intersections of these fractures can form edges sharper than the finest steel blades. For this reason, obsidian was used by many native cultures to make arrowheads and blades.<ref>http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/Products/Pglossary/obsidian.html</ref>

Obsidian is often formed in [[rhyolite]] [[lava]] flows where the lava cools so fast that [[crystal]]s do not have time to grow. Glass, unlike crystals, has no regular structure and therefore fractures in smooth [[conchoidal]] (curved) shapes. The intersections of these fractures can form edges sharper than the finest steel blades. For this reason, obsidian was used by many native cultures to make arrowheads and blades.<ref>http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/Products/Pglossary/obsidian.html</ref>

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