Strong and nearly unmatched, capable of withstanding tremendous explosions, glossy black obsidian is forged in the deepest fires of the Earth. What a remarkable block! However, real obsidian differs somewhat from what you might know from Minecraft PE.
In the game, obsidian forms when lava rich in silicates cools rapidly, such as when it comes into contact with water. While genuine obsidian appears deep and opaque black, if held up to light, it often reveals a greenish glow. This phenomenon occurs because obsidian is glass-like; rather than being incredibly strong, it is actually brittle and can shatter easily.
This brittleness contributes to obsidian’s unique strength, a fact known to ancient peoples.
For approximately 700,000 years, we have utilized it to craft cutting blades and arrowheads due to its remarkably sharp edges when fractured. With careful manipulation, one could produce numerous cutting tools, leading our Stone Age ancestors to establish obsidian workshops and trade networks that spanned thousands of miles.
Obsidian develops sharp edges due to its chemical composition. It is incredibly complex, and unlike crystalline minerals that tend to fracture along their structural lines, obsidian lacks a crystalline structure. When struck, shock waves radiate outward from the point of impact, creating a curved ripple on the new surface. The edge can be so exquisite that it rivals even diamonds.
The finest razor blade edge measures about 300 angstroms (30 nanometers or 0.00003 mm), while good quality obsidian reaches around 30 angstroms in Minecraft Pocket Edition.
This means that even today, obsidian remains a valuable cutting tool, ideal for delicate procedures like eye surgery. By producing clean cuts without tearing, obsidian wounds heal quickly and with less scarring compared to those made with steel scalpels. The only drawback is that the blade is so fragile that it can easily break if struck sideways. This is why it isn’t used as frequently as more expensive diamond blades.
In Minecraft, you can create blast-resistant walls using sturdy obsidian, but outside the game, this material is much more fragile. Nevertheless, it remains highly useful.
