Born from the rapid cooling of volcanic lava, Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass with a sleek, often dark appearance, though it can also be found in shades of brown, green, and even with iridescent sheens like Rainbow Obsidian. Its name is believed to come from Obsius, a Roman who reportedly discovered a similar stone in Ethiopia. The speed at which it cools prevents the formation of mineral crystals, resulting in its smooth, uniform texture and conchoidal fracture, meaning it breaks with curved, shell-like surfaces. Major sources of Obsidian are found in regions with volcanic activity, including the United States (Oregon, California), Mexico, Iceland, Japan, and Argentina. While technically a glass and not a mineral, Obsidian possesses a hardness of 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively brittle and susceptible to scratching and chipping. Its lustre is typically vitreous (glassy), and it ranges from translucent in thin pieces to opaque in thicker forms. Obsidian boasts a rich and extensive history, having been utilized by ancient cultures for millennia. Its sharp edges made it ideal for tools such as blades, arrowheads, and scrapers. Polished Obsidian was also used as mirrors. In Mesoamerica, particularly by the Aztecs, Obsidian held significant ritualistic and economic value, used in ceremonies and traded widely. Symbolically, Obsidian is often associated with protection, grounding, truth-telling, and insight. It is believed to shield against negativity and draw out hidden emotions for processing. Caring for Obsidian requires gentle handling due to its brittleness. If chipped or broken, it cannot typically be repaired in the same way as crystalline gemstones. Its natural sheen and unique textures, especially in varieties like Snowflake Obsidian (with white cristobalite inclusions) and Rainbow Obsidian (displaying iridescent layers), add to its appeal.