Sarıkamış Obsidian Stone

Sarıkamış obsidian stone is a non-crystalline, amorphous volcanic glass found in natural veins in the Sarıkamış district of Kars province. It was registered as a geographical indication (Registration No: 1412) by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office on 18 July 2023 following an application submitted by the Kars Chamber of Commerce and Industry (25 September 2021, File No: C2021/000361).

• Application: 25 September 2021 (C2021/000361)
• Registration: 18 July 2023, No: 1412 (Geographical Indication)
• Registered by: Kars Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Geographical Boundary: All production, extraction and processing activities must be carried out within the boundaries of Sarıkamış district.
• Usage Condition: The term “Sarıkamış Obsidian Stone” and the geographical indication emblem must appear on the product or its packaging; if not used on the product, they must be visibly displayed at the production facility.
• Inspection: Annual inspections are conducted by a minimum of three members coordinated by the Kars Chamber of Commerce and Industry, including representatives from the Sarıkamış District Governorship and the Faculty of Fine Arts at Kafkas University.

• Natural Structure: Non-crystalline, amorphous volcanic glass; atomic arrangement is completely disordered.
• Color and Form: Black and brown varieties; black specimens exhibit a conchoidal fracture pattern similar to mussel shells; brown varieties occur in vein structures with thicknesses of 10–15 cm and weights ranging from 50 g to 1 kg.
• Physical and Chemical Properties:
• • Color: Black or brown (with minor green or transparent variations)
  • Texture: Fine-grained, massive, hyaline structure
  • Colored perlites: Contain fibrous perlite structures in pearly gray-green tones; perlite fibers can reach diameters of up to 40 cm.
  • Chemical Composition (Black): 75.50–76% SiO₂; 12.80–13.20% Al₂O₃; 1.40–2.10% Fe₂O₃; Na₂O 4.70–4.80%; K₂O 3.90–4.10%; trace elements present in low concentrations.
  • Chemical Composition (Brown): Similar proportions; other trace elements at levels ≤10 ppm.

• Extraction Method: Found as veins on the Sarıkamış surface or along road cuts; extracted manually without machinery. Classified by size and color: opaque varieties are designated as massage stones; semi-transparent varieties are separated for decorative item production.
• Cutting and Shaping Process: Boron oil is applied to reduce fracture risk. Rough cutting produces slices 5–10 cm thick. Cutting directions follow parallel fractures; bead, sphere and faceting operations are performed using cabochon and piyon machines.
• Polishing and Finishing: Polishing is carried out using silicon carbide powder in tumblers or via rotating or vibrating machines. The process lasts between 5 and 13 days depending on energy efficiency; hand polishing is also applicable.
• Applications: Opaque varieties are used as massage stones; colored semi-transparent varieties are utilized in the production of decorative items such as necklaces, rings and prayer beads.

Obsidian extraction and craftsmanship have been practiced in the Sarıkamış region since ancient times, establishing an institutional link between its geographical boundary and its reputation. Through collaboration with SERKA, Sarıkamış Obsidian Stone has been promoted at regional product fairs such as YÖREX, contributing to the region’s brand value. It is one of the symbolic products that enhance the promotion of Kars within the category of geographical indication products and supports the economic activities of local producers.