You Want Glass Swords? How to Unearth Obsidian in Washington
Ever watch a fantasy movie and think, "Man, I wish I had a sweet obsidian blade to vanquish mythical beasts?" Well, hold your dragonfire horses, adventurer! Because depending on where you live in Washington state, that dream might be closer than you think.
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| Can You Find Obsidian In Washington State |
Obsidian 101: Nature's Volcanic Glass
Obsidian is basically volcanic glass, formed when lava cools super fast. It's super smooth, often black and glassy, and way sharper than your average butter knife (not that you'd be using an obsidian blade for buttering toast... unless you're aiming for an extremely dramatic breakfast).
Now, obsidian was a big deal for indigenous people in Washington. They used it to make all sorts of tools, weapons, and even arrowheads – way cooler than your run-of-the-mill sporks, that's for sure.
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
So, Can You Become a Real-Life Obsidian Miner?
Absolutely! But with a few disclaimers...
- Washington obsidian is mainly found in the eastern part of the state, near the Cascade Mountains. So, if you live on the coast, you might be out of luck.
- Don't just go picking at random rocks. Obsidian can be hidden amongst other volcanic debris. There are specific locations known for obsidian deposits, and it's best to do some research before heading out.
- Respect private property and public land regulations. Obsidian hunting might be restricted in certain areas.
Here are some resources to help you narrow down your obsidian odyssey:
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
- The Northwest Research Obsidian Studies Laboratory has a handy map of obsidian sources in Washington [source about washington obsidian sources]
- TreasureNet has a forum thread with some user-generated locations [source obsidian locations washington]
Remember, ethical rockhounding is key! Take only what you need, and leave the place as you found it.
Obsidian Hunting: Prepare for Adventure (or Mild Disappointment)
Obsidian hunting can be a fun adventure, but be prepared for the elements and the possibility of coming up empty-handed. Here's a quick packing list:
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
- Sturdy shoes (obsidian fields can be rocky)
- Hat, sunscreen, and water (depending on the weather)
- A small pickaxe or rock hammer (be careful!)
- A bag to store your treasures (or consolation pebbles)
- A sense of wonder (because even if you don't find obsidian, exploring the outdoors is pretty awesome)
Bonus Tip: Look for flakes or chips of obsidian as clues that there might be larger chunks nearby.
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FAQ - Frequently Asked Obsidian-Obsessed Questions
How to identify obsidian?
Obsidian is usually black and glassy, but it can also have a rainbow sheen. It's much harder than regular rock, so it won't scratch easily.
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
How to knap obsidian? (knapping is the process of shaping obsidian into tools) This is a complex skill best learned from experienced professionals. There are plenty of online resources and workshops available.
How to polish obsidian? You can use progressively finer grits of sandpaper or a polishing compound to bring out obsidian's shine.
How dangerous is obsidian? Obsidian can be very sharp, so handle it with care. Wear gloves when knapping or shaping it.
How cool is it to find your own obsidian? Extremely cool. You're basically unearthing a piece of history!
So, there you have it! With a little research and some adventurous spirit, you might just unearth your own piece of volcanic glass. Just remember, leave some for the next aspiring fantasy hero, and maybe avoid trying to cut bread with it.
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