Black or dark-coloured glassy volcanic rock, chemically similar to granite, but formed by cooling rapidly on the Earth's surface at low pressure.
The glassy texture is the result of rapid cooling, which inhibits the growth of crystals. Obsidian was valued by the early civilizations of Mexico for making sharp-edged tools and ceremonial sculptures.
Yellow and the diamond shape represent Brazil's mineral wealth. The motto Ordem e Progresso means ‘Order and Progress’. Green stands for the vast forests. Effective date: 15 November 1889.