You and Obsidian in Texas: A Match Made in...Prehistory?
Ah, obsidian. The volcanic glass loved by trendy jewelry makers and coveted by prehistoric Texans for its wicked sharp edges. You might be wondering, can you just sashay into the Texas wilderness and stumble upon a glittering obsidian mine? Buckle up, geology enthusiast/potential time traveler, because things are about as likely as encountering a herd of unicorns moshing to a Tejano band.
So, No Obsidian Growing on Texas Trees?
Nope, not a single shard. Texas just doesn't have the right geological history to cook up obsidian. Obsidian needs super-hot, fast-cooling lava flows, and Texas just hasn't had that kind of volcanic party in a loooong time.
But wait!
Hold Your Horses (or Should We Say, Mustangs?)
Don't despair, my friend! While you won't be picking obsidian straight off the ground, there is some cool obsidian-related history to be found in the Lone Star State. Archaeologists have actually unearthed tiny obsidian flakes and arrowheads at various sites across Texas. These artifacts are like tiny time capsules, hinting at trade networks between ancient Texans and folks way out west, where obsidian is plentiful.
Basically, obsidian is like the avocado toast of the prehistoric world – trendy and traveled far!
So You Can't Find It, But Can You, Like, Buy It Somewhere?
Absolutely! The internet is your oyster (or, you know, your volcanic glass vendor). There are tons of online retailers selling obsidian in all shapes and sizes.
Just a heads up: Obsidian is a natural material, and its look can vary depending on where it came from. So, the obsidian you buy online might not look exactly like the obsidian some prehistoric Texan knapped into an arrowhead.
Hey, but at least you won't have to dodge saber-toothed tigers to get it!
FAQ: Obsidian in Texas - A Totally Tubular Topic
How to find obsidian in Texas: Head to a museum or an archaeological site (but don't go digging – that's not cool!).
How to tell if a rock is obsidian: Obsidian is glassy and usually black, but it can also be brown or even greenish. If you're not sure, consult a geologist or a really enthusiastic rockhound.
How to buy obsidian: The internet is your friend! Just be sure you're buying from a reputable seller.
How to knap obsidian into a tool (like a prehistoric Texan): This one might be a bit tricky. Obsidian is sharp, but it's also brittle. Leave the knapping to the professionals (or YouTube tutorials…use caution!).
How to appreciate the coolness of obsidian: Just admire its volcanic origins and its role in prehistoric Texas history. Pretty neat, huh?
