40d:Obsidian

Obsidian

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Uses
Swords Masonry Stone crafting Construction
Properties
Magma proof Economic stone Igneous extrusive layer Material value 3
Contains
Hematite Native gold Native copper Tetrahedrite Native aluminum Galena Brimstone Realgar Orpiment Stibnite Rutile Hornblende Alunite Microcline
Wikipedia article

Obsidian is one of the types of stone that forms entire layers.

Obsidian is produced by cooling magma and is typically present in large quantities on maps with magma pools or magma pipes. It is always found surrounding these features, varying between 2-5 tiles thick, every layer of the magma plus often above and below. Obsidian can be produced using a process described here. Also, goblin towers are made of obsidian and can be mined to produce large quantities of it. Magma men also become a single, usable obsidian stone when killed.

Obsidian is the only stone that can be used to make short swords (which also requires a wood log) at a craftsdwarf's workshop using the stonecrafter skill. The damage of an obsidian weapon is the same as for a steel weapon of the same quality.^{v0.28.181.40d}

Obsidian is considered an economic stone and is more valuable than flux (by 3/2), yielding high-value furniture and finished goods. In order to use it for anything other than weapons, it needs to be turned-off (to green) on the stone management portion of the Status screen (z, stone).

Obsidian is the only other magma proof rock besides Bauxite. Thus, it is safe to use obsidian floodgates and mechanisms to control artificial magma flow if you cannot find bauxite - and guess what? There's little pockets of it all around vents and pipes that you can very carefully mine out!

"Obsidian" is the also name of the twelfth month of the dwarven calendar, covering late Winter.