Is Obsidian a Crystal?

Obsidian is mineral-like, but not a true mineral because, as a glass, it is not crystalline; in addition, its composition is too variable to be classified as a mineral. It is sometimes classified as a mineraloid.

Is obsidian a rock or crystal?

Because obsidian is not comprised of mineral crystals, technically obsidian is not a true "rock." It is really a congealed liquid with minor amounts of microscopic mineral crystals and rock impurities. Obsidian is relatively soft with a typical hardness of 5 to 5.5 on the mineral hardness scale.

Is obsidian a strong material?

Strong almost beyond compare and able to stand huge blasts, glossy, black obsidian is forged in the very fires of the earth. ... That's because obsidian is glass, and rather than being super tough, it's brittle, shattering easily. But this lends obsidian its greatest strength, something early humans knew all about.