![]() ![]() The answer to this question has to do with how difficult it is to ingest or inhale or otherwise take in enough obsidian to do damage. Well, technically, obsidian is dangerous to us. How Can Obsidian Be Toxic, But Not Dangerous? Repeated exposure can cause organ failure and death. If you take took much iron into your body, you can suffer from short term symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and stomach paid. Iron is a substance that our bodies need but only in a limited amount. Silicon is something humans do not want to ingest or otherwise let it run around their body.Ĭan the repeated exposure to iron cause humans to suffer from illness or death. ![]() Think about all the silicon implant malpractice lawsuits. The reason that obsidian is technically toxic is the presence of silicon and the presence of any number of elements which are also toxic in their own right.Ĭan the repeated exposure to silicon cause humans to suffer illness or death? The cost of obsidian differs, depending on how unique (and colorful) the piece is. Obsidian can contain any number of inclusions or impurities, which means that it can be many different colors. It gets its color from its impurities, such as iron or iron oxides. Obsidian is mostly made up of silicon dioxide. Remember, “toxic” generally means that a substance or material could cause injury or death if ingested or brought into the body in some way.Īside from the fact that obsidian is a razor sharp volcanic glass and could cause you many problems physically if you were to ingest it, the elements that make up obsidian are also bad news for humans. Sometimes confused with tourmaline, obsidian is considered toxic because of it’s chemical makeup. In this article, we will explain why it is that obsidian is considered both toxic and safe. However, aside from cutting ourselves with it, obsidian poses little danger to us humans. Obsidian artifacts were exchanged throughout the Americas, and because the material can be pinpointed to a specific source, such pieces inform archaeologists about the trade routes and practices of Pre-Columbian societies.Answer: Obsidian is toxic. The material for the Spurlock blade was probably quarried in Pachuca because it has a greenish tinge, while Otumba obsidian is gray. For instance, there are 2 obsidian quarries to the northeast of Teotihuacan, near Pachuca and Otumba. Researchers can trace each sample to its specific source based on the chemical composition and color. In addition to these traits, obsidian is an extremely helpful tool in archaeological research. Obsidian is even being used today as a new experimental material for surgical scalpels. ![]() Historically, it was utilized by cultures all over the world, including the Middle East and Easter Island. It is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that fractures easily into sharp points, making it an ideal substance for blades and weapons. Obsidian-or iztli in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs-was a perfect material for this activity because of its extreme sharpness. Displays such as these not only reaffirmed a leader’s religious conviction, but also cemented their social status. In these ceremonies, the individual would stand on a pyramid or raised platform in front of an audience and cut themselves with a blade or stingray spine, allowing the blood to spill onto the ground. A delicate blade such as this one would have been used by an elite to demonstrate his/her connection to the gods. The Aztecs, who inhabited Teotihuacan from the 14th century until the Spanish conquest, considered drawing blood a form of personal sacrifice. Mesoamerican cultures had many applications for obsidian including mirrors, jewelry, and swords, but because it is small and fragile this particular blade was probably used for ritual bloodletting.īloodletting was an integral part of Mesoamerican life and religion. Because it was found on the surface of the Teotihuacan Archaeological Site, it was likely manufactured and used by the Aztecs, who were the last indigenous inhabitants of the area. This small stone blade of greenish-black obsidian ( 19) was found in Teotihuacan, Mexico in the 1940’s. ![]()
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