obsidius

Obsidius is a fictional mineral described in speculative geology and world-building contexts. It is a natural glassy silicate similar in appearance to obsidian but distinguished by a distinct mineral composition and a broader range of colors. Obsidius forms when felsic volcanic melts cool rapidly, trapping a disordered silica network in an amorphous solid. It typically shows a vitreous to sub-metallic luster and can appear in shades from deep jet black to emerald green or indigo, with color variations tied to trace elements such as iron and titanium.

The mineral is traditionally credited to early explorers in volcanic regions of the imagined continent of Norhaven, with formal naming and characterization appearing in mid-22nd century fictional catalogues. Etymology reflects its resemblance to natural obsidian, while “obsidius” emphasizes its imagined geological distinctiveness.

In terms of properties, obsidius is described as primarily SiO2 with small amounts of metallic oxides, giving a Mohs hardness around 5–6 and a density near 2.4 g/cm3. It possesses a conchoidal fracture and a high refractive index for a glassy mineral. Its sharp fracture edges and accessibility to polishing make it appealing for decorative objects in story settings, and it is sometimes explored for potential uses in high-strength glass composites and optical research within the fictional world.

Occurrence is imagined to be localized to volcanic belts within Norhaven, where rapid cooling and specific magma chemistries permit obsidius formation. In cultural contexts, obsidius textures and colors are often associated with ceremonial artifacts and symbolic workmanship.

See also: obsidian, volcanic glass, silicate minerals.