PORTLAND, Ore. (April 16, 2010) – Volcanic eruptions are unquestionably one of nature’s most destructive forces, but they can also create something beautiful. That something is Obsidian, introduced by ANN SACKS, a premier manufacturer and distributor of tile, at the 2010 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Chicago. The striking new collection of tile is named for and made of the glass that results from the cooled lava of a volcanic eruption. The drama and raw beauty of this collection is worthy of its spectacular and powerful genesis, and it contains all the organic beauty that is its birthright.

By definition, obsidian is what is left behind when the molten silica that is spewed from a volcano cools, becoming a glass boulder embedded in the earth. These boulders are then carefully dug up, cut into slabs and then smaller pieces, which are polished to a high sheen. The result is some of the strongest material known to man. 

Ann Sacks has taken this unusual substance and used small, highly polished, finely cut bricks of it to form intricate Herringbone, Brick and Weave mosaics. The tiles are available in mesh mounted mosaics in 1x1, 2x2, 1x4 Herringbone, 1x4 Offset Brick, and 1x4 Weave with 1x1 Dot, as well as a ½x6 random length. It is also offered in loose pieces of 4x4 and 2x8. Obsidian is available in four color varieties: Raven, a pure jet black; Sterling, a metallic gray; Mercury, a deep, reflective silver; and Burlwood, a rich red-brown hue that recalls a the highly polished dashboard of an antique Jaguar.

Obsidian would be ideal for striking wall or backsplash installations and could be used in both indoor and outdoor applications. As a glass product; however, it is not recommended for use on the floor.