The wonders of Obsidian

Obsidian attracted me not only because of its glassy appearance but my because prior knowledge of the earth sciences, specifically minerals, as well. It is a volcanic glass that forms almost instantaneously when felsic lava comes into contact with water. The size of crystals are dependent on the amount of time it takes for the lava to cool down and because the temperature changes so rapidly, the felsic lava doesn’t have time to form crystals like in other igneous rocks, thus why it forms a glassy rock with no crystals. Obsidian also is able to float because of its capability to form bubbles. Scientists are aiming to use obsidian in surgical rooms with the intent of incorporating it into the medical appliances.