Looking for the IAOS World Obsidian Source Catalog? Click HERE to head to the original World Obsidian Source Catalog hosted by the International Association for Obsidian Studies. At that location, you can find additional information about the many other obsidian sources located throughout the world.

Protection of Prehistoric Resources: Many of the obsidian sources listed here are associated with the prehistoric procurement of natural glass. Please do not collect artifacts at these sources. This may not only be illegal but irrevocably erases and destroys the archaeological history of these significant areas. Strict limits on the amount of geologic material removed may be maintained and collection permits may be required for obsidian found on public lands (inquire locally). Please limit flintknapping activities to well-recognized areas so that the archaeological record remains as undisturbed as possible.

Additional Obsidian Source Information Availability: Bibliographic information and details about individual obsidian sources are gradually becoming available in the form of Adobe Acrobat documents (PDF's) that are linked to the state source lists. These PDF's are also available through the GEOCHEMICAL SOURCE INFORMATION menu below.

We're in the process now of gradually reviewing and updating the source PDF's and these will be flagged in the menu with a "NEW" tag.

Obsidian Source Maps: Obsidian source maps for many of the western states in the U.S. are now available. Click HERE to see the collection.