Themes > Science > Earth Sciences > Geology > Rocks and Minerals > Minerals & Rocks Additional Information > The most common igneous rocks > Obsidian

Obsidian
(pronounced: ob-sid-ian)

Obsidian is formed when rhyolite magma is cooled rapidly, e.g. on lava surfaces and at contact surfaces of intrusions. It is jet black in color and has a glossy luster.

Obsidian occurs in Hrafntinnuhraun at Tirfajökull.


Information provided by Patrick M. Colgan, Northeastern University
http://www.casdn.neu.edu