Obsidian Cliff

Obsidian Cliff, also known as 48YE433, was an important source of lithic materials for prehistoric peoples in Yellowstone National Park near Gardiner, Montana. The cliff was named by Philetus Norris, the second park superintendent in 1878. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1996.

The cliff was formed from a rhyolite lava flow that occurred about 180,000 years ago. The obsidian is most abundant at the base of the cliff and slowly tapers off to larger concentrations of pumice at the top. Early natives of North America placed a high value on the obsidian that came from this cliff as well as other similar obsidian deposits in the area because numerous tools could be fashioned from obsidian - most popularly knives, spear/arrow tips, and other sharp edged objects. In fact, obsidian was so sought after in early America (before the time of Columbus) that it was traded as far away as Mexico and Guatemala.

It is located 13 metres (0.013 km) south of Mammoth Hot Springs, on the east side of the Mammoth-Norris section of the Grand Loop Road. The Obsidian Cliff Kiosk, just north, is also listed on the National Register.

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4.7km from Yellowstone National Park, Grand Loop Road, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA Get directions

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