Is Obsidian Indestructible? Debunking the Myth

Absolutely not. Obsidian is not indestructible. While it possesses remarkable qualities and has been historically valued for its unique properties, obsidian is, in reality, a form of volcanic glass and therefore shares its brittle nature. Think of it like this: it’s sharp enough to be used for surgical tools, but one good whack in the wrong direction, and it’ll shatter like, well, glass. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of obsidian and unpack the myth of its indestructibility.

The Allure of Obsidian

Obsidian is formed from rapidly cooled felsic lava. This rapid cooling prevents crystal growth, resulting in its characteristic smooth, uniform texture. Its sharp edges, capable of creating incredibly fine blades, made it invaluable to early humans for tools and weapons. Its deep black, glassy appearance also gives it a certain mystique, often associated with power and protection. This combination of utility and visual appeal has led to its incorporation into various mythologies and even modern-day video games, sometimes exaggerating its true strength. For example, obsidian is the hardest material in Minecraft, requiring a diamond pickaxe (or better) to mine. While this has no bearing on the true hardness of Obsidian it contributes to the common misconception that it is indestructible.

Obsidian’s True Nature: Brittle and Breakable

The key point to remember is that obsidian is volcanic glass. Glass, by its nature, is amorphous, meaning it lacks a crystalline structure. This lack of structure makes it prone to fracturing along conchoidal lines (curved, shell-like breaks). While obsidian can be incredibly hard and capable of holding a very sharp edge, it is equally susceptible to shattering under impact or pressure.

• Mohs Hardness: Obsidian typically ranks around 5 to 6 on the Mohs hardness scale. In comparison, diamond, the hardest known natural substance, sits at a solid 10. This means obsidian is significantly softer than a diamond and can be scratched by many other common minerals.
• Compressive Strength: Despite its brittleness, flawless obsidian without bubbles or inclusions does possess considerable compressive strength, capable of withstanding significant pressure. However, this strength applies to compression, not impact resistance.
• Weathering and Erosion: Even the elements can break down obsidian over time. Wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations can all contribute to its degradation.

Comparing Obsidian to Other Materials

To further illustrate the point, consider these comparisons:

• Steel: Steel is far more durable and impact-resistant than obsidian. While obsidian can be sharper, steel won’t shatter under the same stresses.
• Diamond: As mentioned earlier, diamond is significantly harder than obsidian. Diamonds are renowned for their exceptional hardness and resistance to scratching.
• Graphene: Graphene is incredibly strong and is much stronger than Obsidian.

Debunking the Minecraft Myth

The video game Minecraft contributes to the misconception of obsidian’s strength. In the game, obsidian is incredibly difficult to break, requiring a diamond pickaxe (or netherite pickaxe) and a considerable amount of time. While this makes for engaging gameplay, it doesn’t reflect reality. Obsidian is not indestructible, even in Minecraft (you can break it). Furthermore, its properties in the game should not be confused with its properties in the real world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Obsidian

Here are some commonly asked questions about obsidian, providing further insights into its properties and uses:

1. Is obsidian stronger than glass?

Generally, yes, obsidian is slightly stronger than regular window glass. However, they both share the same brittle characteristics and can break relatively easily compared to metals or crystalline solids. The specific properties will depend on the exact composition and manufacturing process (if applicable) of the glass in question.

2. Can you break obsidian with your bare hands?

While extremely difficult and not recommended, it is possible to break a small piece of obsidian with enough force, especially if it has existing weaknesses or flaws. However, you’re far more likely to cut yourself than actually shatter the obsidian.

3. What is obsidian actually used for in modern times?

Today, obsidian is primarily used for:

• Surgical Scalpels: Its incredibly sharp edges make it ideal for specialized surgical procedures where precision is crucial.
• Gemstones and Jewelry: Obsidian is often cut and polished for use in jewelry and ornamental objects.
• Arrowheads: Obsidian remains a popular material for crafting arrowheads, especially for primitive skills enthusiasts.

4. What makes obsidian black?

The dark color of obsidian is typically due to the presence of iron and magnesium.

5. Is all obsidian black?

No, while black is the most common color, obsidian can also be found in shades of brown, red, green, and even iridescent varieties depending on the presence of certain minerals and inclusions.

6. What is crying obsidian?

Crying obsidian is a variant of obsidian found in the Minecraft universe. It emits light and is used to craft Respawn Anchors, allowing players to respawn in the Nether. Real-world obsidian does not “cry” or emit light.

7. How is obsidian formed?

Obsidian forms when felsic lava cools rapidly, preventing the formation of crystals. This rapid cooling can occur when lava flows into water or air.

8. Where is obsidian typically found?

Obsidian is found in volcanic regions around the world, including the United States (e.g., Oregon, California), Iceland, Mexico, and Japan.

9. Can obsidian be melted?

Yes, obsidian can be melted at high temperatures, similar to other types of glass.

10. Is obsidian magnetic?

Obsidian itself is not typically magnetic. However, some specimens may contain small amounts of magnetic minerals, such as magnetite, which can cause them to be weakly attracted to a magnet.

11. Can obsidian cut diamonds?

No. Diamond is the hardest known material to date, and obsidian is not harder than diamonds.

12. Is obsidian rare?

Obsidian is not considered a rare material and is relatively abundant in volcanic regions.

13. Does obsidian have any spiritual properties?

In some cultures, obsidian is believed to have spiritual properties, such as protection, grounding, and psychic abilities. However, these beliefs are not scientifically substantiated.

14. Can obsidian be used for healing?

Some individuals use obsidian in alternative medicine practices, believing it can help with physical and emotional healing. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

15. Where can I learn more about games and learning?

For more information on the intersection of games and education, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. You can explore research, projects, and resources related to the use of games in learning environments at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion: Obsidian’s True Strength

While obsidian may not be indestructible in the literal sense, its unique properties and historical significance make it a fascinating and valuable material. Its sharpness, beauty, and historical use as tools and weapons give it a certain “strength” that transcends simple physical durability. So, appreciate obsidian for what it truly is: a remarkable natural glass with a rich history, but not an unbreakable fortress.