A new study uncovers how the Aztec Empire turned obsidian—volcanic glass—into powerful symbols of beauty and belief.
Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the research analyzed 788 obsidian artifacts from Tenochtitlan, the ancient capital, revealing the stone’s central role in both ritual jewelry and empire-wide trade.
Highly prized for its sharpness and dark, mirror-like sheen, obsidian adorned earrings, sacred scepters, and sculpture inlays.
Nearly 90% came from Sierra de Pachuca, known for its striking green and golden hues—ideal for ceremonial pieces tied to deities like Ehecatl-Quetzalcoatl.
The study shows that while finer obsidian was reserved for spiritual use, darker varieties were used for everyday tools, sourced via vast trade networks that reflected the Mexica’s expanding power.
As their empire grew, so did their access to new obsidian sources—some from rival cultures—marking a shift in both style and influence.
This discovery affirms what jewelry lovers have always known: gemstones tell stories—of culture, craftsmanship, and the power of adornment.
Related topics:
