Obsidian: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ค
obsidian
[ ษbหsษชdiษn ]
geology material
Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed from rapidly cooling lava. It is characterized by its glassy luster and sharp edges, making it useful for tools and ornaments. Due to its smooth texture, obsidian has been historically used to create cutting tools and weapons. It can also take on various colors depending on impurities, which include green, brown, and black. Today, it is often used in jewelry and decorative items due to its aesthetic appeal.
Synonyms
natural glass, volcanic glass
Examples of usage
- Archaeologists discovered obsidian tools in ancient sites.
- He admired the striking colors of the obsidian pendant.
- Obsidian shards were used for making sharp knives.
- The artist chose obsidian to create a unique sculpture.
Translations
Translations of the word "obsidian" in other languages:
๐ต๐น obsidiana
๐ฎ๐ณ เค เคฌเคธเคฟเคกเคฟเคฏเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Obsidian
๐ฎ๐ฉ obsidian
๐บ๐ฆ ะพะฑัะธะดัะฐะฝ
๐ต๐ฑ obsydian
๐ฏ๐ต ใชใใทใใฃใขใณ
๐ซ๐ท obsidienne
๐ช๐ธ obsidiana
๐น๐ท obsidiyen
๐ฐ๐ท ํ์์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฃูุจุณูุฏูุงู
๐จ๐ฟ obsidiรกn
๐ธ๐ฐ obsidiรกn
๐จ๐ณ ้ปๆ็ณ
๐ธ๐ฎ obsidian
๐ฎ๐ธ obsidian
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะพะฑัะธะดะธะฐะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแกแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ obsidian
๐ฒ๐ฝ obsidiana
Etymology
The word 'obsidian' originates from the Latin 'obsidianus', which is derived from the name of a Roman who was said to have discovered the material: Obsius. This individually named Roman may have discovered obsidian in Ethiopia, where it is commonly found. The term has been used since antiquity to describe this unique type of glass that forms during volcanic eruptions. The ancient civilizations, particularly the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican cultures, highly valued obsidian for its utility and beauty, crafting it into tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects. The use of obsidian continued through the Middle Ages into the Renaissance, where it appeared in artwork and adornments. Today, obsidian is still sought after both in archaeology and contemporary crafts and is often associated with mystical and healing properties in various cultures.