Obsidian . . . , who knew that one of the oldest weapons around would have come from the ground and not something man created?
Obsidian is natural glass, an igneous rock created by lava. And it is sharp, beautiful, and deadly.
Arrowheads were carved from obsidian, still are. And these arrowheads were tethered to poles creating hatchets, spears, and arrows.
It is quite painful getting cut on a piece of Obsidian (I know from experience).
*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors. I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge.
That is a news for me. My son has a marble sized obsidian, it reminded him of a game called minecraft - that he can't play (yet), it being a pc. I only see obsidian a beautiful smooth black stone ... would make a nice jewelry.
ReplyDeleteObsidian is used in a lot of different ways. Arrowheads, blades, marbles, jewelry . . . the list is long.
DeleteIt is natural glass, and is a very popular stone. :)
I got the chance to try and nap a flint of obsidian in one of my archaeology classes. I came home with cuts all over that I hadn't even realised I'd gotten. That stuff's sharp!
ReplyDeleteVery sharp, that is for sure! Making arrowheads is a ton of fun but yeah, you get lots and lots of cuts.
DeleteInteresting information. I love learning new things. I have found arrowheads before but they were smooth with age. I believe the sharpness had dulled.
ReplyDeletehttp://agutandabutt.blogspot.com/
Thank you! Age, wind, water, lots of things can make it go dull, being natural glass.
DeleteHow interesting...and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteFor sure!
DeleteUm. How exactly did you manage to find out how painful a cut from obsidian is? Or do we really want to know?
ReplyDeleteObsidian is absolutely beautiful. It makes great jewelry and also great weapons. Hmm.... I could totally use that.... Thanks!
Lyre @ Lyre's Musings #atozchallenge
Actually it is a good question. I work for Rockpick Legend Co, my Dad's business. We do lapidary, sell rocks, minerals, fossils, jewelry,and take people on expeditions on where to find different stones.
DeleteI have worked there since I was two and have had my fair share of experiences with Obsidian. It is very easy to get cut on before being polished.
You are most welcome! :) And if you want to know more, you can check out the website for Rockpick Legend Co. :)
http://www.rocks4u.com/
Ouch! Remind me not to cut myself on obsidian. :)
ReplyDelete#atozchallenge, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com
Kristen, don't cut yourself on Obsidian. :)
DeleteThough on the nice side, if cut by obsidian it will be a clean cut. :)
A friend of mine who's an anthropologist told me there's evidence of the first surgical procedures being performed with obsidian used like a scalpel thanks to its keen cutting edge.
ReplyDeletelillian888.wordpress.com
Absolutely! Obsidian was the (first) blade. It was used for cutting, hunting, cooking, fighting, all sorts of things. Makes total sense!
DeleteAt one time, I had an piece of obsidian shaped similar to an arrowhead that I bought at a shop to add to my rock collection at school.
ReplyDeleteDenise at Organization and Inspiration for Fellow Writers, participant of A to Z Blogging Challenge
Denise Reashore on Facebook
They are extremely popular. I have held them, I sell them, and even seen them on the ground while out and about.
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