Obsidian
/əbˈsɪd.i.ən/noun
A naturally occurring volcanic glass formed from rapidly cooled lava.
Did you know?Obsidian was used by ancient civilizations for tools and weapons, but it was also believed to possess protective qualities against negative energies and spirits.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
obsidianus
“Referring to a type of stone named after a Roman named Obsius.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὀψίδιον (opsidion)
“Described as a shiny stone, possibly related to the dark, glassy nature of the material.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₁eḱ-
“To be sharp or to cut, reflecting obsidian's use in tools.”
Modern English
English
obsidian
“Adopted from Latin, it describes the volcanic glass known for its sharp edges and beauty.”