{"title":"Ossidiana Carpatica","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"pendant-made-from-carpathian-obsidian-25g-pob07","title":"Carpathian Obsidian Pendant 2.5g - P\/OB07","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial used to attach to jewelry: rhodium-plated metal jewelry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 2.5g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.2 x 1.3 x 1 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNote: Chain NOT included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003ependant made of Slovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from Other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to Other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic (2 500 000 years ago), but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic (5 000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a Raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with Silver highlights. No Other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each Other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a Raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable Raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, Silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027536908613,"sku":"P\/OB07","price":187.45,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/57671_pendant-made-from-carpathian-obsidian-2-5g.jpg?v=1779377145"},{"product_id":"pendant-made-from-carpathian-obsidian-25g-pob11","title":"Carpathian obsidian pendant 2.5g - P\/OB11","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial used to attach to the jewel: rhodium-plated metal jewel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 2.5g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 1.9 x 1.3 x 0.8 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNote: chain NOT included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003ependant made of Slovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic (2,500,000 years ago), but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic (5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silvery highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027536941381,"sku":"P\/OB11","price":180.98,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/57695_pendant-made-from-carpathian-obsidian-2-5g.jpg?v=1779377146"},{"product_id":"pendant-made-from-carpathian-obsidian-15g-pob12","title":"Carpathian obsidian pendant 1.5g - P\/OB12","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial used to attach to jewelry: rhodium-plated metal jewelry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 1.5g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.2 x 1.4 x 0.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNote: chain NOT included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003ependant made of Slovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic (2 500 000 years ago), but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic (5 000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silvery highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027536974149,"sku":"P\/OB12","price":158.36,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/57698_pendant-made-from-carpathian-obsidian-1-5g.jpg?v=1779377146"},{"product_id":"pendant-made-from-carpathian-obsidian-15g-pob06","title":"Carpathian obsidian pendant 1.5g - P\/OB06","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial used to attach to the jewel: rhodium-plated metal jewel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 1.5g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 1.9 x 1.1 x 0.6 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNote: chain NOT included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003ependant made of Slovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic (2,500,000 years ago), but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic (5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silvery highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027537072453,"sku":"P\/OB06","price":226.23,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/57668_pendant-made-from-carpathian-obsidian-1-5g.jpg?v=1779377146"},{"product_id":"pendant-made-from-carpathian-obsidian-15g-pob04","title":"Carpathian obsidian pendant 1.5g - P\/OB04","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial used to attach to the jewel: rhodium-plated metal jewel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 1.5g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 1.9 x 1.3 x 0.8 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNote: chain NOT included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003ePendant made of Slovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic (2,500,000 years ago), but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic (5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silvery highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027537137989,"sku":"P\/OB04","price":126.04,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/57656_pendant-made-from-carpathian-obsidian-1-5g.jpg?v=1779377146"},{"product_id":"pendant-made-from-carpathian-obsidian-29g-pob13","title":"Carpathian Obsidian Pendant 2.9g - P\/OB13","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial used to attach to the jewel: rhodium-plated metal jewel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 2.9g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.9 x 1.4 x 0.7 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNote: chain NOT included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003ehedgehog pendant made of Slovakian Obsidian\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic (2,500,000 years ago), but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic (5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silver highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027537367365,"sku":"P\/OB13","price":355.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/57701_pendant-made-from-carpathian-obsidian-2-9g.jpg?v=1779377149"},{"product_id":"pendant-made-from-carpathian-obsidian-25g-pob01","title":"Carpathian Obsidian Pendant 2.5g - P\/OB01","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial used to attach to jewelry: rhodium-plated metal jewelry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 2.5g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.3 x 1.5 x 0.6 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNote: Chain NOT included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003ependant made of Slovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from Other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to Other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic (2 500 000 years ago), but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic (5 000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silvery highlights. No Other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each Other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027537400133,"sku":"P\/OB01","price":313.48,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/55019_pendant-made-from-carpathian-obsidian-2-5g.jpg?v=1779377149"},{"product_id":"pendant-made-from-carpathian-obsidian-32g-pob08","title":"Carpathian obsidian pendant 3.2g - P\/OB08","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial used to fix to the jewel: rhodium-plated metal jewel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 3.2g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.6 x 1.4 x 1 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNote: chain NOT included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003ePendant made of Slovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic (2,500,000 years ago), but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic (5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silver highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027537563973,"sku":"P\/OB08","price":255.31,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/57674_pendant-made-from-carpathian-obsidian-3-2g.jpg?v=1779377152"},{"product_id":"pendant-made-from-carpathian-obsidian-2g-pob03","title":"Carpathian Obsidian Pendant 2g - P\/OB03","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial used to attach to jewelry: rhodium-plated metal jewelry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 2g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.8 x 1.3 x 0.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNote: chain NOT included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003ependant made of Slovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from Other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Hedgehog). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to Other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic (2 500 000 years ago), but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic (5 000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a Raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with Silver highlights. No Other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each Other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a Raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable Raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, Silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027537760581,"sku":"P\/OB03","price":219.77,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/57653_pendant-made-from-carpathian-obsidian-2g.jpg?v=1779377152"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-08g-hedgehog-slovakia-obj196","title":"Carpathian obsidian 0.8g (Riccio) – Slovakia - OBJ196","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.8g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.7 x 1 x 0.3 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/moldavite.it\/pages\/moldaviti-angel-chimes-cosa-sono-e-quanto-sono-rare\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/moldavite.it\/pages\/moldaviti-angel-chimes-cosa-sono-e-quanto-sono-rare\"\u003eAngel Chimes\u003c\/a\u003e\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian Obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its peculiar deep texture, reminiscent of the Moldavites from Southern Bohemia (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpture formed thanks to rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids in the specific site, just like with moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially due to its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that approximately 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been registered on the market, created by engraving known obsidians from Brehov. Counterfeiters try to imitate the natural sculpture, but the result is often imperfect: drilling marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we advise paying attention to the origin of the obsidian purchased. Our specimens come directly from the discoverer, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with its distinct natural sculpture was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with an exceptional color spectrum General information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and quickly solidifies. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color — black, gray, or red — but its transparency increases with decreasing iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors used it as early as the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for producing sharp tools like scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for chipped tool production far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A bit of chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called “mounds” by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content than the global average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for producing chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors vary from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back about 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared in appearance. From a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, upon closer inspection, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and worldwide. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and resemblance to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or tables but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptics and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown especially due to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one such conference was held under the auspices of Charles University. On that occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027913511237,"sku":"OBJ196","price":77.56,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/50366_carpathian-obsidian-0-8g--hedgehog--slovakia.jpg?v=1779378217"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-01g-obj295","title":"Carpathian obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.1g - OBJ295","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.1g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 1.3 x 0.8 x 0.2 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian Obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It differs from other obsidians due to its particular deep texture, which resembles the Moldavites of Southern Bohemia (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpture was formed thanks to rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids in the specific site, just as in the case of moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and possible landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially due to its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that approximately 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been reported on the market, created by engraving known obsidians from Brehov. Counterfeiters try to imitate the natural sculpture, but the result is often imperfect: drill marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we recommend paying attention to the origin of the obsidian purchased. Our specimens come directly from the finder, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with its distinct natural sculpture was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – Volcanic glass with an exceptional color spectrum General information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and solidifies quickly. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color—black, gray, or red—but its transparency increases with decreasing iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors used it as early as the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for the production of sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A bit of chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content than the global average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors vary from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back about 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared in appearance. From a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, upon closer inspection, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and resemblance to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work with and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or tables but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptic art and sculpting small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown especially thanks to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one of these was held under the auspices of Charles University. On that occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027944575301,"sku":"OBJ295","price":29.09,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67903_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-1g.jpg?v=1779378407"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-01g-obj286","title":"Carpathian obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.1g - OBJ286","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.1g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 1.4 x 0.8 x 0.2 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its peculiar deep texture, reminiscent of the Moldavites from Southern Bohemia (very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpture formed due to rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just as in the case of moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from excavators and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially due to its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that around 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is approximately 3g. Finds weighing over 10g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been reported on the market, created by incising known obsidians from Brehov. Counterfeiters try to imitate the natural sculpture, but the result is often imperfect: drilling marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we advise paying attention to the origin of the purchased obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the discoverer, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with its marked natural sculpture was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with an exceptional color spectrum General information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and solidifies quickly. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color—black, gray, or red—but its transparency increases with decreasing iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neo-volcanic rocks. Our ancestors used it as early as the Paleolithic (around 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (around 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for producing sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools greatly exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A little chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were later released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content than the global average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for producing chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors vary from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back approximately 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared in appearance. At a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can appear almost indistinguishable. However, upon closer inspection, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and similarity to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to make replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or slabs but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptics and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass has grown especially due to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glass. In 1987, one of these was held under the auspices of Charles University. On that occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027944608069,"sku":"OBJ286","price":31.67,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67876_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-1g.jpg?v=1779378408"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-02g-obj288","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.2g - OBJ288","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.2g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.1 x 0.7 x 0.2 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/moldavite.it\/pages\/moldaviti-angel-chimes-cosa-sono-e-quanto-sono-rare\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/moldavite.it\/pages\/moldaviti-angel-chimes-cosa-sono-e-quanto-sono-rare\"\u003eAngel Chimes\u003c\/a\u003e\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian Obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its particular deep texture, which resembles Moldavites from Southern Bohemia (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpture was formed thanks to rapid cooling, superficial fracturing, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids in the specific site, just as in the case of moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and possible landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will grow rapidly worldwide, especially for its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that approximately 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been recorded on the market, created by engraving known obsidians from Brehov. Counterfeiters try to imitate the natural sculpture, but the result is often imperfect: drilling marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we recommend paying attention to the origin of the purchased obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the discoverer, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with its marked natural sculpture was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with an exceptional color spectrum General information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and quickly solidifies. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color—black, gray, or red—but its transparency increases as iron oxides decrease. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors already used it in the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for producing sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for chipped tool production far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A little chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content than the global average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for producing chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors range from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back about 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared in appearance. At a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, upon closer inspection, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and resemblance to moldavites. Their relatively low current price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or slabs but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of working, it is also suitable for glyptics and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown mainly due to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one such conference was held under the auspices of Charles University. For the occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027945361733,"sku":"OBJ288","price":29.09,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67882_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-2g.jpg?v=1779378414"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-03g-obj294","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.3g - OBJ294","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.3g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 1.6 x 1.5 x 0.3 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian Obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its peculiar deep texture, reminiscent of Moldavites from Southern Bohemia (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpture formed due to rapid cooling, superficial fracturing, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just as in the case of moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that, once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially for its remarkable potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that approximately 5 kg of material has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been registered on the market, created by engraving known obsidians from Brehov. Counterfeiters try to imitate the natural sculpture, but the result is often imperfect: drill marks remain visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we recommend paying attention to the origin of the purchased obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the discoverer, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with its distinct natural sculpture was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with an exceptional color spectrum General Information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and quickly solidifies. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color—black, gray, or red—but its transparency increases with decreasing iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors used it as early as the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for the production of sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools greatly exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A little chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content than the global average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors range from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back about 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared in appearance. At a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, when viewed closely, the differences become apparent. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and resemblance to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or tablets but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptics and the sculpture of small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown mainly due to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one of these was held under the auspices of Charles University. On this occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027945394501,"sku":"OBJ294","price":29.09,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67900_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-3g.jpg?v=1779378414"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-03g-obj292","title":"Carpathian obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.3g - OBJ292","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.3g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 1.5 x 0.7 x 0.2 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its unique deep texture, reminiscent of Moldavites from Southern Bohemia (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpting was formed by rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just as in the case of moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially due to its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and Exceptional Pieces It is estimated that approximately 5 kg of material has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and Guarantee of Authenticity Counterfeits have already been reported on the market, created by engraving known obsidians from Brehov. Counterfeiters try to imitate the natural sculpting, but the result is often imperfect: drill marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we advise paying attention to the origin of the obsidian purchased. Our specimens come directly from the discoverer, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with marked natural sculpting was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – Volcanic Glass with Exceptional Color Spectrum General Information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and solidifies quickly. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color—black, gray, or red—but its transparency increases with decreasing iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors used it as early as the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for producing sharp tools like scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for chipped tool production far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A Bit of Chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of the local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content compared to the global average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for chipped tool production. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors vary from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and Potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back about 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared in appearance. From a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, upon closer inspection, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and resemblance to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work with and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or tablets but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptics and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown mainly thanks to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one of these was held under the auspices of Charles University. On that occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027946148165,"sku":"OBJ292","price":29.09,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67894-1_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-3g.jpg?v=1779378420"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-03g-obj293","title":"Carpathian obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.3g - OBJ293","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.3g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 1.3 x 1.2 x 0.2 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its unique deep texture, reminiscent of the Moldavites from Southern Bohemia (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpture formed due to rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like with moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially for its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that approximately 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been reported on the market, created by incising known obsidians from Brehov. Forgers try to imitate the natural sculpture, but the result is often imperfect: drill marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we advise paying attention to the origin of the obsidian purchased. Our specimens come directly from the discoverer, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with its pronounced natural sculpture was described in the book Glassy Wonders in 2024. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with an exceptional color spectrum General Information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and quickly solidifies. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color—black, gray, or red—but its transparency increases with decreasing iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local Neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors already used it in the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for producing cutting tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for chipped tool production far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A bit of chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of local lavas has resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content than the world average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for producing chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors vary from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back about 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared in appearance. From a distance and with proper lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, upon closer inspection, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and resemblance to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or tablets but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Due to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptics and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown mainly thanks to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one such conference was held under the auspices of Charles University. On that occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027946443077,"sku":"OBJ293","price":29.09,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67897_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-3g.jpg?v=1779378421"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-04g-obj278","title":"Carpathian obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.4g - OBJ278","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.4g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 1.6 x 1 x 0.3 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian Obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its particular deep texture, reminiscent of Moldavites from Southern Bohemia (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpture formed thanks to rapid cooling, superficial fracturing, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids in the specific site, just like in the case of moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and possible landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially due to its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that approximately 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been registered on the market, created by engraving known obsidians from Brehov. Forgers try to imitate the natural sculpture, but the result is often imperfect: drill marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we recommend paying attention to the origin of the purchased obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the discoverer, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with its pronounced natural sculpture was described in the book Glassy Wonders in 2024. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with an exceptional color spectrum General Information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and solidifies quickly. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color—black, gray, or red—but its transparency increases with decreasing iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors already used it in the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for the production of sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for producing chipped tools far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A bit of chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content than the world average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for producing chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors range from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back about 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared for its appearance. From a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, when observed closely, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and worldwide. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and resemblance to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or tables but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptic art and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown especially thanks to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one of these was held under the auspices of Charles University. On that occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027946574149,"sku":"OBJ278","price":33.62,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67852_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-4g.jpg?v=1779378422"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-04g-obj266","title":"Carpathian obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.4g - OBJ266","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.4g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 1.6 x 1.1 x 0.3 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its peculiar deep texture, reminiscent of South Bohemian Moldavites (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpture formed due to rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, much like in the case of moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will grow rapidly worldwide, especially due to its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that approximately 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been recorded on the market, created by incising known obsidians from Brehov. Forgers try to imitate the natural sculpture, but the result is often imperfect: drilling marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we recommend paying attention to the origin of the purchased obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with its marked natural sculpture was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with an exceptional color spectrum General information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and solidifies quickly. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color — black, gray, or red — but its transparency increases with the decrease of iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors already used it in the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for the production of sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A little chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and a lower water content than the global average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors vary from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back about 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared in appearance. At a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, looking closely, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and resemblance to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to make replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected as small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or tables but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneiss and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptics and the carving of small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown mainly due to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one of these was held under the auspices of Charles University. For the occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027946606917,"sku":"OBJ266","price":35.55,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67810_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-4g.jpg?v=1779378423"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-04g-obj260","title":"Carpathian obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.4g - OBJ260","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.4g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.1 x 1.3 x 0.2 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic, but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic. In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silvery highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027946639685,"sku":"OBJ260","price":35.55,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67792_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-4g.jpg?v=1779378423"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-04g-angel-chime-obj287","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.4g \/ Angel Chime - OBJ287","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.4g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.2 x 1.6 x 0.2 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/moldavite.it\/pages\/moldaviti-angel-chimes-cosa-sono-e-quanto-sono-rare\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/moldavite.it\/pages\/moldaviti-angel-chimes-cosa-sono-e-quanto-sono-rare\"\u003eAngel Chimes\u003c\/a\u003e\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its peculiar deep texture, reminiscent of Moldavites from Southern Bohemia (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpture formed due to rapid cooling, superficial fracturing, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that, once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially for its remarkable potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that about 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been reported on the market, created by engraving known obsidians from Brehov. Counterfeiters try to imitate the natural sculpture, but the result is often imperfect: drill marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we recommend paying attention to the origin of the obsidian purchased. Our specimens come directly from the discoverer, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with its pronounced natural sculpture was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with an exceptional color spectrum General information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and solidifies quickly. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color—black, gray, or red—but its transparency increases with decreasing iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors already used it in the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for the production of sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A bit of chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content compared to the world average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors vary from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back about 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared in appearance. At a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, upon closer inspection, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidian is growing both in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and resemblance to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or slabs but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptics and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass has grown mainly due to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glass. In 1987, one of these was held under the auspices of Charles University. For the occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027946869061,"sku":"OBJ287","price":33.62,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67879_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-4g-angel-chime.jpg?v=1779378424"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-05g-obj302","title":"Carpathian obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.5g - OBJ302","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.5g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 2.3 x 1.1 x 0.3 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic, but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic. In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silvery highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027947098437,"sku":"OBJ302","price":64.64,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/68413_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-5g.jpg?v=1779378426"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-05g-obj299","title":"Carpathian obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.5g - OBJ299","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.5g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.6 x 0.9 x 0.3 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/moldavite.it\/pages\/moldaviti-angel-chimes-cosa-sono-e-quanto-sono-rare\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/moldavite.it\/pages\/moldaviti-angel-chimes-cosa-sono-e-quanto-sono-rare\"\u003eAngel Chimes\u003c\/a\u003e\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic, but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic. In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silvery highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027947131205,"sku":"OBJ299","price":64.64,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/68404_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-5g.jpg?v=1779378427"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-05g-obj264","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.5g - OBJ264","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.5g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 2 x 1.4 x 0.3 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic, but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic. In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silvery highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027947196741,"sku":"OBJ264","price":42.01,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67804-1_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-5g.jpg?v=1779378427"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-05g-obj262","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.5g - OBJ262","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.5g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2 x 1.5 x 0.3 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its unique deep texture, reminiscent of Moldavites from Southern Bohemia (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpting was formed by rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just as in the case of Moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially for its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that approximately 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds over 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been registered on the market, created by incising known obsidians from Brehov. Counterfeiters try to imitate the natural sculpting, but the result is often imperfect: drill marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we recommend paying attention to the origin of the purchased obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the discoverer, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with its marked natural sculpting was described in the book Glassy Wonders in 2024. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum General information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and quickly solidifies. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color — black, gray, or red — but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors already used it in the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for producing sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for chipped tool production far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A little chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content than the global average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for producing chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors range from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back about 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared due to its appearance. At a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, upon closer inspection, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and resemblance to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work with and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or slabs but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptics and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown mainly due to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to the research of natural glasses. In 1987, one of these was held under the auspices of Charles University. On that occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027947458885,"sku":"OBJ262","price":42.01,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67798-1_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-5g.jpg?v=1779378429"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-06g-obj301","title":"Carpathian obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.6g - OBJ301","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.6g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 1.8 x 1.3 x 0.3 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic, but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic. In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silvery highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027947491653,"sku":"OBJ301","price":77.56,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/68410_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-6g.jpg?v=1779378429"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-06g-obj291","title":"Carpathian obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.6g - OBJ291","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.6g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 1.4 x 1.1 x 0.3 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its unique deep texture, reminiscent of the Moldavites from Southern Bohemia (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpting formed due to rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like with moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially for its remarkable potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that approximately 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been recorded on the market, created by engraving known obsidians from Brehov. Forgers try to imitate the natural sculpting, but the result is often imperfect: drill marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we recommend paying attention to the origin of the obsidian purchased. Our specimens come directly from the discoverer, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with distinct natural sculpting was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with an exceptional color spectrum General information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and quickly solidifies. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color – black, gray, or red – but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local Neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors used it as early as the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for producing sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for producing chipped tools far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans, all the way to the Mediterranean. A little chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often incorrectly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of the local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content compared to the global average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for producing chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors range from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back approximately 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared in appearance. At a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, upon closer inspection, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and similarity to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work with and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only as cabochons or slabs but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Due to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptics and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown mainly due to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one such conference was held under the auspices of Charles University. On that occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027947557189,"sku":"OBJ291","price":50.42,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67891_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-6g.jpg?v=1779378430"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-06g-obj274","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.6g - OBJ274","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.6g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 1.5 x 1.3 x 0.4 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic, but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic. In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silvery highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027947753797,"sku":"OBJ274","price":50.42,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67834_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-6g.jpg?v=1779378431"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-06g-obj273","title":"Carpathian obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.6g - OBJ273","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.6g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 1.9 x 0.9 x 0.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic, but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic. In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silvery highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027947819333,"sku":"OBJ273","price":50.42,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67831_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-6g.jpg?v=1779378432"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-07g-obj263","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.7g - OBJ263","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.7g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.1 x 1.2 x 0.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic, but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic. In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silvery highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027947917637,"sku":"OBJ263","price":58.82,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67801_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-7g.jpg?v=1779378433"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-07g-obj255","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.7g - OBJ255","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.7g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 1.8 x 1.4 x 0.4 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic, but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic. In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silvery highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027948081477,"sku":"OBJ255","price":45.25,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67774_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-7g.jpg?v=1779378433"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-07g-obj252","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.7g - OBJ252","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.7g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 2.6 x 0.8 x 0.4 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its unique deep texture, which resembles the Moldavites of Southern Bohemia (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpture formed due to rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just as in the case of moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will grow rapidly worldwide, especially due to its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that approximately 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds over 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been recorded on the market, created by engraving known obsidians from Brehov. Counterfeiters try to imitate the natural sculpture, but the result is often imperfect: drilling marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we advise paying attention to the origin of the obsidian purchased. Our specimens come directly from the finder, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with marked natural sculpture was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum General information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and solidifies quickly. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color—black, gray, or red—but its transparency increases with decreasing iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neo-volcanic rocks. Our ancestors already used it in the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for producing sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for chipped tool production far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A little chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often incorrectly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and a lower water content than the global average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for chipped tool production. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, the porosity is less than 1%, and the hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors range from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Curiously, Slovakian obsidian dates back about 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared in appearance. From a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, upon closer inspection, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and resemblance to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work with and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or tablets but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of working, it is also suitable for glyptic art and sculpting small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown especially thanks to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one of these was held under the auspices of Charles University. On that occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027948147013,"sku":"OBJ252","price":45.25,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67765_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-7g.jpg?v=1779378434"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-07g-obj248","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.7g - OBJ248","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.7g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 2.6 x 0.9 x 0.3 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/moldavite.it\/pages\/moldaviti-angel-chimes-cosa-sono-e-quanto-sono-rare\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/moldavite.it\/pages\/moldaviti-angel-chimes-cosa-sono-e-quanto-sono-rare\"\u003eAngel Chimes\u003c\/a\u003e\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its unique deep texture, reminiscent of Southern Bohemian Moldavites (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpture formed thanks to rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like with moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from excavators and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially due to its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that about 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is approximately 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been reported on the market, created by engraving known obsidians from Brehov. Counterfeiters try to imitate the natural sculpture, but the result is often imperfect: drilling marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we recommend paying attention to the origin of the obsidian purchased. Our specimens come directly from the discoverer, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with its distinctive natural sculpture was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum General information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and solidifies quickly. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color—black, gray, or red—but its transparency increases with decreasing iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local Neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors used it already in the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for producing sharp tools like scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for producing chipped tools far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A bit of chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content than the global average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for producing chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors vary from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back about 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared in appearance. At a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, upon closer inspection, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and worldwide. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and resemblance to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected as small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only as cabochons or tables but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptics and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown mainly due to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one of these was held under the auspices of Charles University. For the occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027948343621,"sku":"OBJ248","price":48.48,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67750_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-7g.jpg?v=1779378436"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-07g-obj218","title":"Carpathian obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.7g - OBJ218","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.7g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 2 x 0.9 x 0.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its unique deep texture, reminiscent of the Moldavites from Southern Bohemia (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpting was formed by rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially due to its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that approximately 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been registered on the market, created by incising known obsidians from Brehov. Counterfeiters try to imitate the natural sculpting, but the result is often imperfect: drill marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we advise paying attention to the origin of the obsidian purchased. Our specimens come directly from the discoverer, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with marked natural sculpting was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum General Information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and quickly solidifies. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color—black, gray, or red—but its transparency increases with decreasing iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors used it as early as the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for producing sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for chipped tools far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans to the Mediterranean. A little chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content than the global average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for producing chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors vary from black to gray, to bluish and greenish tones, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back approximately 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared in appearance. At a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, when observed closely, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and resemblance to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or tables but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptic art and the carving of small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown mainly due to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one of these was held under the auspices of Charles University. On that occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027948409157,"sku":"OBJ218","price":81.45,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/62573_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-7g.jpg?v=1779378436"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-08g-obj261","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.8g - OBJ261","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.8g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.3 x 0.9 x 0.3 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic, but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic. In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silvery highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027948441925,"sku":"OBJ261","price":74.33,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67795_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-8g.jpg?v=1779378436"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-09g-obj247","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.9g - OBJ247","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.9g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.1 x 1.1 x 0.4 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its unique deep texture, reminiscent of the Moldavites from Southern Bohemia (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculptural form resulted from rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just as in the case of moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially for its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and Exceptional Pieces It is estimated that approximately 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen found so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and Guarantee of Authenticity Counterfeits have already been reported on the market, created by engraving known obsidians from Brehov. Counterfeiters attempt to imitate the natural sculpture, but the result is often imperfect: drilling marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we advise paying attention to the origin of the purchased obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the discoverer, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with its distinctive natural sculpture was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – Volcanic Glass with Exceptional Color Spectrum General Information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and solidifies quickly. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color—black, gray, or red—but its transparency increases with decreasing iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors already used it in the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for producing sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for chipped tool production far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans, reaching the Mediterranean. A Bit of Chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed primarily of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were later freed by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of approximately 80%. The high acidity of local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content than the global average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for chipped tool production. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors vary from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and Potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back approximately 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared in appearance. At a certain distance and with proper lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, upon close inspection, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and worldwide. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and resemblance to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work with and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules ranging from 1 to approximately 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or tablets but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptics and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown primarily thanks to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one of these was held under the auspices of Charles University. For the occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027948507461,"sku":"OBJ247","price":61.41,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67747_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-9g.jpg?v=1779378437"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-09g-obj241","title":"Carpathian obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.9g - OBJ241","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.9g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 2.4 x 1.1 x 0.4 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its unique deep texture, reminiscent of Moldavites from Southern Bohemia (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially for its remarkable potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that approximately 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been recorded on the market, created by incising known obsidians from Brehov. Counterfeiters try to imitate the natural sculpture, but the result is often imperfect: drilling marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we recommend paying attention to the origin of the obsidian purchased. Our specimens come directly from the discoverer, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with its distinctive natural sculpture was described in the book Glassy Wonders from 2024. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with an exceptional color spectrum General information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and solidifies quickly. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color — black, gray, or red — but its transparency increases as iron oxides decrease. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors already used it in the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for producing sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for chipped tool production far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and in the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A bit of chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of the local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content compared to the world average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for producing chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors range from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back about 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared for its appearance. At a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can appear almost indistinguishable. However, when observed closely, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and similarity to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to make replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or tablets but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptic art and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown especially thanks to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one of these was held under the auspices of Charles University. On that occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027948572997,"sku":"OBJ241","price":63.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67729_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-9g.jpg?v=1779378439"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-09g-obj245","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 0.9g - OBJ245","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.9g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 2 x 1.3 x 0.4 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its unique deep texture, reminiscent of South Bohemian Moldavites (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpture formed thanks to rapid cooling, superficial fracturing, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just as in the case of Moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially due to its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that approximately 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been reported on the market, created by engraving known obsidians from Brehov. Counterfeiters try to imitate the natural sculpture, but the result is often imperfect: drill marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we recommend paying attention to the origin of the obsidian purchased. Our specimens come directly from the finder, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian, with its marked natural sculpture, was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with an exceptional color spectrum General information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and solidifies quickly. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color – black, gray, or red – but its transparency increases with decreasing iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neo-volcanic rocks. Our ancestors used it as early as the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for producing sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A bit of chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content than the global average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for producing chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors vary from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back about 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared in appearance. At a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, when observed closely, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and resemblance to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work with and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only as cabochons or tables but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and smoky quartz in appearance. Due to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptics and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown especially thanks to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one of these was held under the auspices of Charles University. For the occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027948704069,"sku":"OBJ245","price":61.41,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67741_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---0-9g.jpg?v=1779378439"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-11g-obj246","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 1.1g - OBJ246","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 1.1g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 1.9 x 1.4 x 0.3 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its unique deep texture, reminiscent of Moldavites from Southern Bohemia (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpture formed due to rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like with Moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially for its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that approximately 5 kg of material has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds over 10 g are rare. The largest specimen found so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been registered on the market, created by engraving known obsidians from Brehov. Forgers try to imitate the natural sculpture, but the result is often imperfect: drill marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we recommend paying attention to the origin of the obsidian purchased. Our specimens come directly from the discoverer, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with marked natural sculpture was described in the book Glassy Wonders of 2024. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with an exceptional color spectrum General Information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and quickly solidifies. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color—black, gray, or red—but its transparency increases with decreasing iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neo-volcanic rocks. Our ancestors used it as early as the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for producing sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for chipped tool production far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A little chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often incorrectly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of local lavas led to a higher silica content and lower water content than the world average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for producing chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors range from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back about 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared for its appearance. At a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, upon closer inspection, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing in both Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones are distinguished by their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and resemblance to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work with and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or tables but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptics and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown especially thanks to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one of these was held under the auspices of Charles University. For the occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027948802373,"sku":"OBJ246","price":77.56,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67744_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---1-1g.jpg?v=1779378440"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-12g-obj216","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 1.2g - OBJ216","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 1.2g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 2.7 x 1.5 x 0.4 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian Obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its unique deep texture, reminiscent of southern Bohemian Moldavites (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpture formed due to rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially due to its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that about 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been registered on the market, created by engraving known obsidians from Brehov. Counterfeiters try to imitate the natural sculpture, but the result is often imperfect: drilling marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we recommend paying attention to the origin of the obsidian purchased. Our specimens come directly from the discoverer, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with marked natural sculpture was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum General information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and solidifies quickly. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color—black, gray, or red—but its transparency increases with decreasing iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors already used it in the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for the production of sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A bit of chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica content (SiO₂) of about 80%. The high acidity of local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content than the world average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors vary from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Curiously, Slovakian obsidian dates back about 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared for its appearance. At a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, upon closer inspection, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and resemblance to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to make replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or slabs but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptics and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown mainly due to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one of these was held under the auspices of Charles University. On that occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027948835141,"sku":"OBJ216","price":139.62,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/62567_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---1-2g.jpg?v=1779378440"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-13g-obj219","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 1.3g - OBJ219","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 1.3g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.1 x 1.5 x 0.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its unique deep texture, reminiscent of South Bohemian Moldavites (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpting was formed by rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just as in the case of moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that, once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially due to its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that approximately 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3g. Finds weighing over 10g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been registered on the market, created by engraving known obsidians from Brehov. Counterfeiters try to imitate the natural sculpting, but the result is often imperfect: drill marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we recommend paying attention to the origin of the obsidian purchased. Our specimens come directly from the discoverer, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with prominent natural sculpting was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with an exceptional color spectrum General information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and solidifies quickly. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color—black, gray, or red—but its transparency increases with decreasing iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors used it as early as the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for producing sharp tools like scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for chipped tool production far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A little bit of chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of approximately 80%. The high acidity of the local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content than the global average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for producing chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors vary from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back about 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared due to its appearance. From a distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, upon closer inspection, the differences become apparent. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and resemblance to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or slabs but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of working, it is also suitable for glyptics and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown mainly thanks to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one of these was held under the auspices of Charles University. For the occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027948966213,"sku":"OBJ219","price":151.25,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/62576_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---1-3g.jpg?v=1779378442"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-17g-obj237","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 1.7g - OBJ237","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 1.7g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.6 x 1.2 x 0.6 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its peculiar deep texture, reminiscent of South Bohemian Moldavites (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpture formed due to rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and possible landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially due to its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that approximately 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been registered on the market, created by incising known obsidians from Brehov. Forgers try to imitate the natural sculpture, but the result is often imperfect: drilling marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we advise paying attention to the origin of the obsidian purchased. Our specimens come directly from the finder, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with its distinct natural sculpture was described in the book Glassy Wonders 2024. Eastern Slovakia Obsidian – Volcanic Glass with Exceptional Color Spectrum General Information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and solidifies quickly. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color—black, gray, or red—but its transparency increases with decreasing iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors used it as early as the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for producing sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakia obsidian as a raw material for chipped tool production far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A Little Chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called “mounds” by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they subsequently became free through erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakia obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content than the global average. This explains its greater strength and suitability for producing chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors range from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silver reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and Potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back approximately 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech “sister,” Moldavite, with which it is often compared for its appearance. From a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can appear almost indistinguishable. However, when viewed closely, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones are distinguished by their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and resemblance to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work with and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or tables but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptics and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown especially due to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one such conference was held under the auspices of Charles University. For the occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakia obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027948998981,"sku":"OBJ237","price":115.7,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67714_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---1-7g.jpg?v=1779378442"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-17g-obj234","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 1.7g - OBJ234","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 1.7g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.4 x 1.5 x 0.4 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its peculiar deep texture, reminiscent of Moldavites from Southern Bohemia (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just as in the case of moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from excavators and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially due to its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that about 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been reported on the market, created by engraving known obsidians from Brehov. Forgers try to imitate the natural sculpture, but the result is often imperfect: drilling marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we recommend paying attention to the origin of the purchased obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with its marked natural sculpture was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with an exceptional color spectrum General information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and solidifies quickly. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color—black, gray, or red—but its transparency increases as the iron oxides decrease. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local Neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors already used it in the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for producing sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for producing chipped tools far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A bit of chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called “mounds” by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of the local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content compared to the world average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for producing chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors vary from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back about 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech “sister,” Moldavite, with which it is often compared in appearance. From a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, upon closer inspection, the differences become apparent. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and similarity to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected as small nodules ranging from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, though most are between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only as cabochons or tables but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptics and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown mainly due to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one such conference was held under the auspices of Charles University. For the occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027949031749,"sku":"OBJ234","price":113.12,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67705_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---1-7g.jpg?v=1779378442"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-18g-obj308","title":"Carpathian obsidian – Hedgehog – 1.8g - OBJ308","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 1.8g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.1 x 2 x 0.4 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic, but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic. In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silvery highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027949195589,"sku":"OBJ308","price":232.69,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/68458_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---1-8g.jpg?v=1779378444"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-18g-obj298","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 1.8g - OBJ298","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 1.8g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.5 x 1 x 0.6 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic, but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic. In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silvery highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027949359429,"sku":"OBJ298","price":232.69,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/68401_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---1-8g.jpg?v=1779378445"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-18g-obj243","title":"Carpathian obsidian – Hedgehog – 1.8g - OBJ243","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 1.8g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.1 x 1.5 x 0.6 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its peculiar deep texture, reminiscent of Moldavites from Southern Bohemia (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just as in the case of Moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that, once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially due to its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that about 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds over 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been reported on the market, created by engraving known obsidians from Brehov. Forgers try to imitate the natural sculpture, but the result is often imperfect: drill marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we recommend paying attention to the origin of the purchased obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the discoverer, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with its pronounced natural sculpture was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with an exceptional color spectrum General information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and solidifies quickly. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color — black, gray, or red — but its transparency increases with decreasing iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors already used it in the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for producing sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A little chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently freed by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content than the world average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for producing chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors vary from black to gray, to bluish and greenish tones, sometimes with silver reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back about 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared in appearance. At a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, upon closer inspection, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and similarity to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work with and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected as small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only as cabochons or tables but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptic art and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown especially due to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one of these was held under the auspices of Charles University. On that occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027949392197,"sku":"OBJ243","price":116.34,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67735_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---1-8g.jpg?v=1779378446"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-18g-obj221","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 1.8g - OBJ221","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 1.8g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 1.8 x 1.5 x 0.6 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian Obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its unique deep texture, reminiscent of Moldavites from Southern Bohemia (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpting was formed by rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just as in the case of moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially for its remarkable potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and Exceptional Pieces Approximately 5 kg of material is estimated to have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and Authenticity Guarantee Counterfeits have already been reported on the market, created by incising known obsidians from Brehov. Counterfeiters try to imitate the natural sculpting, but the result is often imperfect: drill marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we recommend paying attention to the origin of the obsidian you purchase. Our specimens come directly from the discoverer, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with its pronounced natural sculpting was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – Volcanic Glass with Exceptional Color Spectrum General Information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and solidifies quickly. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color—black, gray, or red—but its transparency increases with decreasing iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local Neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors used it as early as the Paleolithic (about 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (about 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for producing sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for chipped tool production far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A Little Chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called “mounds” by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were later released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica (SiO₂) content of about 80%. The high acidity of local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and a lower water content than the world average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for chipped tool production. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, the density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors vary from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silver reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and Potential Interestingly, Slovakian obsidian dates back about 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared in appearance. From a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, upon closer inspection, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and similarity to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work with and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or tables but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptics and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown mainly due to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one of these was held under the auspices of Charles University. For the occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027949556037,"sku":"OBJ221","price":209.43,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/62582_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---1-8g.jpg?v=1779378447"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-25g-obj232","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 2.5g - OBJ232","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 2.5g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 3 x 1.5 x 0.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – Hedgehog This recently discovered type of Slovakian Obsidian is considered among the most beautiful obsidians in the world. It stands out from other obsidians due to its unique deep texture, reminiscent of the Moldavites from Southern Bohemia (very similar to Besednice Jezkovna). Its natural sculpture formed due to rapid cooling, surface fracturing, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just as in the case of moldavites. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. It is believed that once the discovery site is revealed and scientifically studied, interest in this rare and aesthetically pleasing obsidian will rapidly grow worldwide, especially for its significant potential in the jewelry industry. Quantity and exceptional pieces It is estimated that around 5 kg of material have been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is about 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g. Counterfeits and authenticity guarantee Counterfeits have already been recorded on the market, created by incising known obsidians from Brehov. Forgers try to imitate the natural sculpture, but the result is often imperfect: drilling marks are visible. An inexperienced person might not immediately recognize a fake. For this reason, we recommend paying attention to the origin of the obsidian purchased. Our specimens come directly from the discoverer, and we guarantee their authenticity. This obsidian with marked natural sculpture was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders. Eastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with an exceptional color spectrum General information Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock formed as a result of magmatic activity when incandescent lava rapidly comes into contact with a cold environment and quickly solidifies. The rock is very rich in silica and is a natural form of glass. It is usually dark in color—black, gray, or red—but its transparency increases with decreasing iron oxides. History The presence of obsidian in Slovakia is relatively limited compared to other local neovolcanic rocks. Our ancestors used it as early as the Paleolithic (around 2,500,000 years ago) to produce cutting tools, but it has been shown that these tools were also used in the Neolithic (around 5,000 years ago). In Europe, there are only a few primary obsidian deposits suitable for producing sharp tools such as scrapers, spearheads, or knives. Research shows that the importance of Eastern Slovakian obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools far exceeded the local context. For this reason, it was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans as far as the Mediterranean. A bit of chemistry Obsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas from Neogene volcanism and is closely related to rhyolitic volcanism. Its deposits are found in the peripheral parts of large volcanic bodies composed mainly of rhyolite. Obsidian nodules, often improperly called \"mounds\" by collectors, are generally found in rhyolitic tuffs, from which they were subsequently released by erosion. For this reason, their shape and surface often resemble Bohemian moldavite. Eastern Slovakian obsidian belongs to the group of unaltered acidic volcanic glasses, with a silica content (SiO₂) of about 80%. The high acidity of the local lavas resulted in a higher silica content and lower water content than the global average. This explains its greater resistance and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content varies between 0.19% and 0.31%, density between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³, porosity is less than 1%, and hardness varies between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Local obsidian is transparent. Depending on the chemical composition, colors range from black to gray, to bluish and greenish hues, sometimes with silvery reflections. No other obsidian in the world offers such a wide color spectrum. Curiosities and potential Curiously, Slovakian obsidian dates back approximately 15 million years, roughly the same period as its Czech \"sister,\" Moldavite, with which it is often compared in appearance. At a certain distance and with the right lighting, they can be almost indistinguishable. However, upon close inspection, the differences become evident. Interest in obsidians is growing both in Europe and the rest of the world. Slovakian ones stand out for their rarity, limited quantity, unique color, and resemblance to moldavites. Their current relatively low price also makes them a potential investment stone for the future. Obsidian is easy to work with and polish, making it ideal for jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also used to create replicas of Paleolithic tools, beads, and jewelry. It can be collected in the form of small nodules from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter, although most measure between 1 and 5 cm. The predominant color is black or gray-black. Cut stones achieve a high polish, and the cutting yield is comparable to that of commercial colored chalcedonies. It can be used not only in the form of cabochons or tables but also in faceted cuts due to its transparency. Faceted stones are extremely spectacular and surpass dark gneisses and morions in appearance. Thanks to its ease of processing, it is also suitable for glyptics and carving small decorative figures. In any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the most interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glasses has grown mainly due to tektites, other varieties are also receiving increasing attention. The scientific community has organized several conferences dedicated to research on natural glasses. In 1987, one of these was held under the auspices of Charles University. On that occasion, the Granat Turnov cooperative produced silver jewelry with Eastern Slovakian obsidian as the main stone. Requests and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027949588805,"sku":"OBJ232","price":161.6,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/67699_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---2-5g.jpg?v=1779378447"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-27g-obj304","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 2.7g - OBJ304","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 2.7g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 3.8 x 1.2 x 0.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/moldavite.it\/pages\/moldaviti-angel-chimes-cosa-sono-e-quanto-sono-rare\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Angel Chimes\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic, but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic. In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silvery highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027949687109,"sku":"OBJ304","price":349.04,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/68440_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---2-7g.jpg?v=1779378449"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-26g-obj297","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 2.6g - OBJ297","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 2.6g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 2.4 x 1.7 x 0.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic, but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic. In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silvery highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027949850949,"sku":"OBJ297","price":336.11,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/68170_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---2-6g.jpg?v=1779378449"},{"product_id":"carpathian-obsidian-hedgehog-33g-obj307","title":"Carpathian Obsidian – Hedgehog – 3.3g - OBJ307","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Carpathians, Slovakia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 3.3g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 3 x 2.1 x 0.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDETAILED DESCRIPTION\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlovakian Obsidian – hedgehog\nThis recently discovered type of Obsidian is among the most beautiful Obsidians in the world. It is distinguished from other Obsidians by its distinctive deep texture, which resembles South Bohemian Moldavite (it is very similar to the Besednice Jezkovna). Its sculpture was formed by rapid cooling, surface cracking, and the subsequent slow action of soil acids at the specific site, just like in the case of Moldavite. The exact location is currently kept secret to protect the area from diggers and potential landscape devastation. We believe that once the precise discovery site is revealed and scientifically examined, interest in this Obsidian with its rare and aesthetic appearance will grow rapidly worldwide – especially due to its significant potential for use in the jewelry industry.\nQuantity and exceptional pieces\nAn estimated 5 kg has been discovered. The average weight of individual pieces is around 3 g. Finds exceeding 10 g are rare. The largest specimen discovered so far weighs an incredible 54 g.\nForgeries and authenticity guarantee\nWe have recorded the presence of forgeries on the market, created by drilling into known Obsidians from Brehov. Forgers attempt to imitate the sculpture, but the result is usually imperfect – drill marks are often visible. A layperson may not recognize a forgery at first glance. Therefore, we recommend being careful about the origin of purchased Obsidian. Our specimens come directly from the finder and we guarantee their authenticity.\nThis distinctly sculpted Obsidian was described in the 2024 book Glassy Wonders.\nEastern Slovakian Obsidian – volcanic glass with exceptional color spectrum\nGeneral\nObsidian is a type of volcanic glass, a rock that is formed as a result of magmatic activity when hot lava comes into rapid contact with a cold environment and then solidifies rapidly. The rock is very rich in silica compounds and is a natural form of glass. It is typically dark in colour, ranging from black, grey or red. It is usually opaque, but its transparency increases as the iron oxide content decreases.\nHistory\nThe occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia is relatively small compared to other local neovolcanics. Our ancestors used it to make cutting tools as early as the Palaeolithic, but it has been shown that these tools were also used during the Neolithic. In Europe, there are only a limited number of primary occurrences of Obsidian suitable for the production of cutting tools, mainly scrapers, spearheads or knives. It is clear from the results of ongoing research that the importance of Eastern Slovakian Obsidian as a raw material for the production of chipped tools has far exceeded its local significance. Therefore, Eastern Slovakian Obsidian was distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe and across the Balkans to the Mediterranean.\nA little chemistry\nObsidian is the product of highly acidic lavas of Neogene volcanism. Their origin is closely linked to rhyolite volcanism. Its occurrences form the peripheral parts of larger volcanic bodies, mainly composed of rhyolite. The nests of Obsidian nodules, incorrectly referred to by collectors as mounds, are usually found in rhyolite tuffs, from where it often weathered as a more resistant material, and therefore today its shape and surface (sculpture) often resembles Bohemian Moldavite.\nThe Obsidian of Eastern Slovakia belongs to a group of unaltered acid volcanic glasses with a silica (SiO2) content of about 80%. The higher acidity of the local lavas has caused the Obsidians to have a higher SiO2 content and a lower water content than the world average. This is the reason for their greater durability and suitability for the production of chipped tools. The water content of Obsidian is unusually low. The H2O content varies between 0.19 and 0.31 %. The density varies between 2.3 and 2.4 g\/cm³. Porosity is well below 1 %, and hardness is between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.\nThe local Obsidian is transparent. Depending on its chemical composition, its colours range from black, to grey, to bluish and greenish, sometimes with silvery highlights. No other Obsidian in the world offers such a colour spectrum!\nInteresting \/ Potential\nAs chance would have it, the occurrence of Obsidian in Slovakia dates back 15,000,000 years ago, around the same time as its Czech \"brother\", Moldavite, to which it is often compared for its appearance, and at a certain distance and under the right light they are indistinguishable from each other. But of course on closer examination the differences are clear and there can be no confusion.\nInterest in Obsidians in general is growing both in Europe and worldwide. The Slovak ones are enhanced by their rare occurrence, limited quantity, unique colour and the aforementioned resemblance to Moldavite. Its current low price makes it an ideal investment stone for the future.\nObsidian is easy to work and polish, and as a raw material it is truly suitable for jewellery and haberdashery purposes. It is also used to make replicas of Palaeolithic cutting tools, stone beads and jewellery. Obsidian can be collected at individual sites in the form of small boulders from 1 to about 20 cm in diameter. However, most of the mounds are between 1 and 5 cm. Their predominant colour is black or blackish grey. The cut stones achieve a high polish and the cut yield is comparable to commercial coloured Chalcedony.\nIt can be used not only in the form of plain cabochon cuts or tables, but since it is transparent, it can also be faceted in the form of rout and step cuts. Faceted stones are very spectacular and surpass in appearance the dark gneisses and morions. Due to its easy workability, it is also a suitable raw material for plastic cutting of small figures, so-called glyptics.\nIn any case, it deserves to be promoted as one of the very interesting materials used since the Stone Age. Although interest in natural glass is growing mainly thanks to tektites, the others are also being mentioned alongside them. The scientific community has organised several conferences dedicated to natural glass research. In 1987, one of them was held under the auspices of Charles University in Prague. For this conference, silver jewellery was produced by the Granat cooperative in Turnov, the dominant stone of which was Obsidian from Eastern Slovakia. Inquiries and orders from abroad continued for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PeltramMinerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58027949883717,"sku":"OBJ307","price":341.28,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0881\/1659\/2965\/files\/68455_carpathian-obsidian---hedgehog---3-3g.jpg?v=1779378449"}],"url":"https:\/\/moldavite.it\/en\/collections\/ossidiana-carpatica.oembed?page=2","provider":"Moldavite.it","version":"1.0","type":"link"}