Obsidian

• Obsidian is a volcanic glass, either black or deep green in colour, produced by volcanic action.

Pliny the Elder

• It is referred to by Pliny the Elder (23-79 CE) in his Natural History.
• He describes a volcanic glass, found by a certain Obsius in Ethiopia, and named after him.

Use

• In Prehistoric times, Obsidian was used to make arrowheads.
• During the Bronze Age and Roman Empire, Obsidian was used for its cutting edge to make tools, and it could also be polished to create mirrors.
• Once polished, it also resembled a Gemstone, and was used in jewellery.

Deposits

• Major deposits of Obsidian are found in the volcanic regions of the central Mediterranean, Lipari, Pantelleria, Palmarola and in Monte Arci in Sardinia.
• They were also found in the Aegean in Milos and Gvali and in Turkey near the Gollu Dag volcano.