Illustrated Stained Glass Dictionary .................. Illustrated ART GLASS Dictionary..................Illustrated Architecture Dictionary

Obsidian (glass)

Obsidian is the result of volcanic lava coming in contact with water. It is cooled extremely quickly, causing it to create a beautiful glassy texture.

Most obsidian is 70 percent silica (sand) - just like modern factory-made stained glass used for windows.

Obsidian can come in many different colors including dark green, dark brown, black, golden sheens, beautiful yellows, blues, and tinges of purple. Iron and magnesium typically give the obsidian a dark green to brown to black color.

The illustration below - from two different camera angles - has some mahogany streaks.

The obsidian pictured above was purchased from Past and Present


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