Topic: heavy black glass tortoise ? French

[steph]

We've had this fella for last 20yrs and he was secondhand then so it's time I found out where he emigrated from.  I always thought he might be french.  He's 5" long X2 1/2" high and very heavy.  He's a very opaque black, no agate about him ( I read the discussion on black glass, thanks) if he is amethyst its very dense. Any help much appreciated. steph.

[antiquerose123]

Hi there:  Is it glass?  It just reminds me of some things that I have here that are carved.  The turtle eyes look like they have been carved out.  Kinda reminds me of Soapstone....

Maybe I am wrong here (as I am still learning myself).......so what do I know LOL    

[pamela]

Seconded 

If it's glass, probably Obsidian?

[antiquerose123]

Hi, this was what I was thinking of it reminded me of:  CLICK HERE    But if it is - Real soapstone (Eskimo, native) it can have some value too...

[Ivo]

Correct, it is another turdle made from Mexican obsidian.

[steph]

Thanks everyone - Ivo, yes he's Mexican as you say.  Wikipedia gave me an instant lesson on Obsidian!  So he's carved mineral....  but glass none the less!

Rose, If you google (sorry yet to learn how to do links  ) obsidian animals you'll see a Mexican company selling them... obsidian differs from soapstone in that it can be carved extremely finely.  Wiki say it's used for surgical scapels, it can be sharper than surgical steel!   :spls:

[antiquerose123]

Thanks -- Will check that out -- have not seen those, so learn something every day.  Soapstone was my first thought when I looked at the eyes of it -- but it is glass.

Good to know.....Thanks  :thup: