Can Lava Burn Through Obsidian? – Unraveling the Answer
Lava, with its scorching temperature and fiery intensity, poses a formidable challenge to anything that comes its way. One material that has managed to withstand the test of time and lava’s onslaught is obsidian, a naturally occurring volcanic glass. But, can lava indeed burn through obsidian, or is it a steadfast fortress against the fiery blasts?
Direct Answer to the Question
No, lava cannot burn through obsidian. Obsidian’s unique properties, such as its glassy composition and extremely high silica content, enable it to resist the ravaging effects of lava, effectively rendering it impervious to its fiery kiss.
Why Obsidian Can’t Be Burnt
Glassy Compostion: Obsidian is essentially a natural, non-crystalline solid, composed of hydrated silica, with a refractive index similar to other glass materials. This unique glassy composition, along with its low concentration of water, makes obsidian more resistant to fire and heat.
**Silica Content: The extremely high silica content, typically ranging from 65% to 80% of obsidian’s mass, enhances its heat resistance. As a result, obsidian becomes even more resilient and durable in the face of high-temperature flames and molten lava.
Conversely, Why Lava Can Damage Obsidian**
Contact Melting: Although lava cannot burn through obsidian, contact melting can occur. When an object with a lower thermal conductivity, like obsidian, is exposed to liquid lava, the heat absorption is higher, causing partial melting. This process could potentially damage or alter obsidian’s structure.
Viscoelastic Properties of Lava: Lava, with its viscoelastic properties, can impart stresses and strains on neighboring objects, including obsidian. Prolonged exposure to lava’s contact melting could lead to increased structural vulnerability and potential compromise of obsidian’s resilience.
Comparison of obsidian and Steel
Contrastively, high-carbon steel, particularly its tempered form, retains a more crystalline microstructure and thermal conductivity superior to obsidian, rendering it more susceptible to fire damage. Steel-based objects may exhibit a saw-like edge post-melting, differentiating it from obsidian’s glassy appearance post-thermal exposure.
Here is a comparison table below:
| Property | Obsidian | Steel (Tempered Form) |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Conductivity | * | * |
| Resistance to Heat | * (Resistant) | + (Moderately Resistant) |
| Microstructural Properties | Glassy non-crystalline (NCS) | Polycrystalline crystalline (PCNS) |
| Edge Property (post-melting) | Smooth | Sharp |
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the primary factors contributing to lava’s inability to burn through obsidian are its high silica content, glassy composition, and low concentration of water. While extreme contact melting can occur when lava is in direct proximity to obsidian, a steady flame or sustained application of heat is unlikely to breach obsidian’s insulating properties. This reinforces the notion that obsidian remains an exceptional material worthy of study and admiration due to its remarkable thermal shock resistance.
Additional Reference: "Obsidian – Its Formation, Properties and Applications" by M.O. Zietek and R.A. Kosso, 2009.