Since ancient times, mankind has sought to facilitate its work with the help of various devices. One of the first tools was a knife. Until people found out about metal, stones and obsidian served as the material for its manufacture. A knife made of volcanic glass was widely used for ritual and domestic purposes of primitive tribes. He was not just an auxiliary tool and an effective weapon, but also demonstrated the status of a man, personified his courage and strength.
Obsidian
Natural glass of volcanic origin, which is formed due to the very fast cooling of the lava, is called obsidian. There is a legend telling that an unusual stone first came to Europe thanks to the Roman Obsidium, hence the name.
According to another version, the name of the stone came from the Greek word "obsis", that is, a sight. It is known that mirrors were made from black obsidian.
Physical properties
When describing the physical properties of volcanic glass , the following characteristics are noted:
- the rock has a massive structure, completely glassy with a rare interspersed microfenocrystals;
- the color and pattern of the stone depend on the microinclusions of magnetite, fawn spars, iron oxides, etc .;
- transparency depends on inclusions; its degree varies from opaque to transparent (or translucent);
- the composition is variable (spread from rhyolite to basalt glass): silicon dioxide - 75%, water - less than 1%;
- shine silky, glass;
- sharp-edged fracture, large conchoidal;
- no cleavage;
- fragile;
- amorphous.
Types of Obsidian
The composition of obsidian is divided into five main types:
- rhyolite - its composition resembles granite;
- gabro - contains interspersed with pyroxene grains;
- porphyry - a bright red variety of andesite;
- diorite - is formed on the basis of feldspar crystals , resembles granite;
- trachyte is a glassy rough variety.
The composition of rapidly solidified lava and the conditions for the formation of volcanic glass affect the color of the material:
- Snow. One of the most beautiful varieties. On a common black or dark brown background, slightly blurry white spots resembling snowflakes are visible.
- Rainbow. It clearly visible layers of blue, red, green shades. A series of colors is especially beautiful on the cut. It is also called the peacock tail or midnight lace.
- The black. The trade name in the USA is mountain jet or black Nevada diamond. Has a deep pure black color.
- Tears of Apache. A variation of black obsidian is rounded discharge.
- Black and red. It is characterized by alternating red and black colors. The second name for this banded species is mountain mahogany.
- Iris. Obsidian, overflowing with the smallest gaseous and liquid inclusions, gives a golden or silver effect. Sometimes there is a multi-colored option: bluish-blue, red, green or rainbow.
One of the most beautiful varieties with a mother-of-pearl shade was discovered in Armenia. Rare species include green Montana jade, transparent aquamarine obsidian of a greenish tint and dark purple strombolite.
Place of Birth
The mineral is found almost all over the world. There are such deposits in Mexico, USA, Russia, Hungary, Slovakia, Italy, Iceland, Scotland, Ethiopia, Nicaragua, Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine.
Ancient knife
A knife made of horn and volcanic glass was a cult item and was used in the Aztec ritual of human sacrifice. It was flat, double-edged, had a leaf-like shape. Manual processing left unevenness on it, but this did not in any way reduce its properties to cut the flesh easily and evenly.
The length of the weapon could reach 30 cm and a width of 6 cm. The handle, as a rule, was made of stone. Hardwoods, horns, or animal bones were sometimes used. The blade was fastened with specially welded glue from scales and bones, or with the help of animal tendons, plant shoots. There was a technology for melting tendons.
Stone Products
Archaeologists believe that the use of obsidian began about eight thousand years ago and was due to the properties of the material:
- lasting;
- breaks well in layers;
- forms sharp cuts on chips.
It was widely used for the manufacture of a number of cutting and piercing devices: axes, knives, scrapers, arrowheads, spears, and more. Metal replaced obsidian, but not in all cultures. The Indians of South America did not know the ore business; for many centuries they used a knife made of volcanic glass. Without him, the rituals of sacrifice and embalming were not complete. In terms of sharpness, such weapons far exceeded metal counterparts.
The spread of knives contributed to trade relations between countries. Merchants carried luxurious, richly decorated items around the world. It was prestigious to have such a work of art, it spoke of the status and wealth of the family.
In addition to tools, ornaments, mirrors, and household items were made from obsidian.
Knives
Until now, the obsidian knife finds its connoisseur. Modern technologies offer completely unique materials for the manufacture of household utensils, including cutting tools. But natural glass is unsurpassed in beauty.
A knife made of volcanic glass is made in accordance with the most ancient technologies. Use appropriate materials and tools. All such modern knives are divided into three groups:
- The first include souvenirs. Although such products can be used. They are happy to buy fishermen and hunters. At minus temperatures, wet gear begins to freeze to a metal blade. A knife made of volcanic glass is devoid of this drawback, moreover, it cuts perfectly, does not get dull and fails only in case of breakage. Another plus is that these are relatively cheap knives. The cost of souvenirs ranges from 20 to 100 US dollars
- The second group includes knives made as jewelry. The old technology is not always suitable, therefore it is often improved. The dimensions of the knives depend on the customer's wishes. Decorated pens are so pretentious that it is simply impossible to use such products. For production, stones with a variety of inclusions are selected - this improves the appearance of the weapon, but reduces the quality of the blade. How much does a knife made of volcanic glass, the master determines. It all depends on the complexity of manufacturing and the value of the decorating details.
- The third group includes products created by modern technology. Polishing the glass deprives the tool of characteristic chips, narrows the blade, due to which the quality of the knives suffers. The handle of such a sample is more convenient and practical than that of jewelry counterparts, but because of the fragility of the blade it is more likely a souvenir than a tool.
Modern use
Modern medical knowledge allows surgeons to conduct very delicate operations (plastic surgery, ophthalmology). Nanotechnology requires the use of the thinnest blade. To date, a knife made of volcanic glass is widely used for these purposes. The price of the original scalpel ranges from $ 60-100. It depends on the thinness of the blade. The tip of the knife, or rather, its cutting edge, can be only 0.02 microns thick. A thin incision tightens faster.
Of course, modern technology allows the production of thinner cutting tools. Diamond scalpels have a thickness of only 0.003 microns, they are more durable and stronger than obsidian. But high prices of one or more thousand dollars do not contribute to their wide distribution.
For the manufacture of pens of such a scalpel, solid wood, usually maple, is taken. Using epoxy resin, a blade is attached to it. This manufacturing technology allows you to subject the tool to heat treatment in an autoclave without any damage.
One scalpel can withstand up to 20 operations. The disadvantage is the fragility of the knife - with lateral pressure, it breaks. Another caveat: there are no two identical tools. Manual production does not make the size and shape of the blade absolutely identical.
Such a tool is also in demand in cooking. Today, cooks have not only metal knives in their hands. Widespread ceramic products. Knives (Chinese, German, Japanese) have proven themselves as a reliable professional tool. In their physical qualities they resemble obsidian blades.
Manufacturing technology
The manufacture of a knife from volcanic glass is carried out in three stages:
- Workpiece processing by drummer. The workpiece itself should be twice as large as the final tool. A strong and accurate impact at an angle of 90 ° breaks the material so that a flat, flat surface is formed. The edge will be sharp, it can be cut.
- To give the blade a certain shape, the chip needs to be processed a little. To do this, a bone or a very hard wood needs to be “trimmed” with a blade. Such work requires patience, time and accuracy.
- Finishing the blade by pressing. The bark (or other cushioning material) is laid on the “anvil”, a knife is placed on it, and small flakes (from its lower side) are gently chopped off with a pointed stick or bone. Thus, they give a more flat shape to the blade and provide its sharpness.
The handle is made of horn or wood. The blade is attached to the glue, you can fix it with tendons or thin straps. Such a tool can be used to cut the rope or remove the skin from the game.
Master and his knives
Jeff Hall (Jeff Hall) - one of the most famous masters, who uses volcanic glass as a material for making a knife. He lives and works in the USA (Washington state). Here is how the wizard describes it:
- The blade has a translucent delicate gray color. The handle is made of the horn of an American antelope in the shape of a dragon claw. Length - 20 cm.
- Obsidian with smoky, black and red veins is selected for the blade. At a certain angle, the blade gains a golden sheen. The handle is made similar to the first sample. Length - 17.8 cm.
- Black volcanic glass blade (mined in Northern California). Specially crafted and sanded handle made of cholla cactus. Length - 16.5cm.
Absolutely all Hall products are provided with certificates of authenticity.
There is another fairly popular obsidian knife called Pele's Heart. This is a sample of the traditional ritual weapons of the Native Americans of South America.
A triangular double-edged blade with a sharp end is attached to a graceful curved wooden handle. The blade is made of a transparent obsidian of a reddish hue with black linear inclusions. Product length - 22.5 cm, width - 3 cm, weight - 80 grams. A beautiful handmade sample can be used as a ritual item and as an element of decor.
Chinese knives made of volcanic glass in large quantities are offered as souvenirs. They are not as exquisite as piece pieces of masters, but, nevertheless, can be a great gift for a man.
Benefits
The obsidian blade has better cutting properties than steel. It does not require any special care. Does not crack, is not subject to destruction during operation. Does not fade, does not lose its natural color and polish.
In addition to practical purposes, such a knife can serve as a wonderful gift, an element of decor, used as an object of ritual.
disadvantages
All products made of volcanic glass are very fragile. Any impact or lateral pressure can cause the blade to break. The blade must not be exposed to subcooling or heating. But with careful handling, the knife can serve for many years, without losing the ability to cut perfectly.