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A Dictionary of Earth Sciences

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition

obsidian

obsidian , a volcanic glass , homogeneous in texture and having a low water content, with a vitreous luster and a conchoidal fracture. The color is commonly black, but may be some shade of red or brown, and cut sections sometimes appear to be green. Like other volcanic glasses, obsidian is a lava that has cooled too quickly for the contained minerals to crystallize. In chemical composition it is rich in silica and similar to granite. It is favored by primitive peoples for knives, arrowheads, spearheads, and other weapons and tools.

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obsidian

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences | 1999 | | Â© A Dictionary of Earth Sciences 1999, originally published by Oxford University Press 1999. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

obsidian Volcanic glass of dacitic (see DACITE) or rhyolitic (see RHYOLITE) composition.

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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "obsidian." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 9 Jul. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "obsidian." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (July 9, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-obsidian.html

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "obsidian." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved July 09, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-obsidian.html

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Obsidian; geology and archaeology in the North American Southwest.(Brief Article)(Book Review) Magazine article from: Reference & Research Book News; 2/1/2006
	Obsidian craft production in ancient central Mexico; archaeological research at Xochicalco.(book)(Brief Article)(Book Review) Magazine article from: Reference & Research Book News; 8/1/2006
	FDA cites Obsidian for sundry QS violations.(Medical devices) Newspaper article from: Validation Times; 3/1/2004

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	Obsidian; geology and archaeology in the North American Southwest.(Brief Article)(Book Review) Magazine article from: Reference & Research Book News; 2/1/2006; 118 words ; 9780816523962 Obsidian; geology and archaeology in the North...ties ancient Southwest Indian use of obsidian in tool-making to their social and economic...presents several new applications of obsidian source studies from the early pre-ceramic... Read more
	Obsidian craft production in ancient central Mexico; archaeological research at Xochicalco.(book)(Brief Article)(Book Review) Magazine article from: Reference & Research Book News; 8/1/2006; 114 words ; 9780874808476 Obsidian craft production in ancient central...subsequent material analysis relating to the obsidian craft industry operating in Xochicalco...In addition to analyzing in detail obsidian craft production at one specific time... Read more
	FDA cites Obsidian for sundry QS violations.(Medical devices) Newspaper article from: Validation Times; 3/1/2004; ; 304 words ; ...QS regulation violations that landed Obsidian Medical Technology, Dublin, CA, in hot...In addition, the Feb. 24 letter stated Obsidian failed to have management with executive...required. Bianca Green, a spokesperson for Obsidian, said in a telephone interview that all... Read more
	Two new telecomms services available now from White Obsidian.(Brief Article) Newspaper article from: Telecomworldwire; 10/29/2003; 117 words ; ...telecomms services available now from White Obsidian(C)1994-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD http...service network architecture provider White Obsidian has introduced its Emissary and Proviso...service delivery, according to White Obsidian. Emissary is a multimedia messaging bulk... Read more
	The Obsidians' renovated lodge ready for show and tell.(Recreation) Newspaper article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR); 9/26/2006; 472 words ; ...Guard CORRECTION (ran 9/27/2006):The Obsidians will hold an open house at their renovated...mark another milestone Saturday. The Obsidians will celebrate the renovation and expansion...dedication program is scheduled for 2 p.m. The Obsidian Lodge is a rustic two-story building... Read more
	Obsidian Mystery.("Shot Girl", "Evil in Carnation")(Brief article)(Book review) Magazine article from: California Bookwatch; 4/1/2009; 115 words ; Obsidian Mystery c/o The Penguin Publishing Group 375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014 www.penguingroup.com www.amazon.com Karen E. Olson... Read more
	Obsidian Mystery.(Homicide in Hardcover)(Hounding the Pavement)(Brief article)(Book review) Magazine article from: The Bookwatch; 4/1/2009; 126 words ; Obsidian Mystery c/o The Penguin Publishing Group 375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014 www.penguingroup.com www.amazon.com Kate Carlisle... Read more
	Obsidian Mystery.(Homicide in Hardcover; Hounding the Pavement)(Brief article)(Book review) Newspaper article from: Internet Bookwatch; 4/1/2009; 126 words ; Obsidian Mystery c/o The Penguin Publishing Group 375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014 www.penguingroup.com www.amazon.com Kate Carlisle... Read more
	Outdoor group celebrates its jubilee.(Recreation)(Obsidians: The group of hikers, cyclists and campers has been leading excursions for 75 years.) Newspaper article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR); 5/6/2002; 700+ words ; ...Dorothy Scherer, a longtime member of the Obsidians, was interviewed by telephone for a story...weeklong camping trip into wilderness - the Obsidians probably have just the outing. This month...including an iris garden. About a week ago, Obsidian member and bicycle enthusiast Norma Lockyear... Read more
	Rock on. (Western Wanderings). Magazine article from: Sunset; 1/1/2003; ; 573 words ; QUARTZSITE, ARIZONA-- It's Davis Creek obsidian, the dealer tells me, hefting a large...the sun. I observe. One corner of the obsidian has been cut and polished, and when held...Quartzsite was a lot like the Davis Creek obsidian: rough at first glance, but hold it in... Read more