Obsidian Shard

Obsidian

Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed when lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth. It is an igneous rock. Produced from felsic lava, obsidian is rich in the lighter elements such as silicon, oxygen, aluminium, sodium, and potassium. It is commonly found within the margins of rhyolitic lava flows known as obsidian flows. These flows have a high content of silica, giving them a high viscosity. The high viscosity inhibits the diffusion of atoms through the lava, which inhibits the first step (nucleation) in the formation of mineral crystals. Together with rapid cooling, this results in a natural glass forming from the lava.

obsidian

Noun

1. A type of naturally occurring black glass produced by volcanoes.
2. A slightly bluish black, the color of obsidian glass.

Adjective

1. Black.

shard

Noun

1. A piece of broken glass or pottery, especially one found in an archaeological dig.
2. A piece of material, especially rock and similar materials, reminding of a broken piece of glass or pottery.

Verb

1. To fall apart into shards, usually as the result of impact or explosion.
2. To break (something) into shards.