I’ve been coming across videos of people breaking obsidian chunks to make arrowheads but could never find the answer why it could be broken with light hits with a rock, and then not break when in use with said weapon.
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The first thing is that it is naturally occurring. This doesn’t mean much in our modern times but it was a big deal before humans had convenient access to things like forges and modern metal purification.
It is relatively easily made into a very useful sharp object. Again, this seems unimportant today but at a time when there were only primitive tools, making sharp, hard, cutting objects was not simple. Think about how a metal tool is made with no access to modern equipment. (Bronze and copper are soft metals so don’t hold an edge very well).
First you had to find the ore, then you need to build a kiln and furnace probably out of clay/hay etc. Then you have to gather wood (no metal axes) dry it and perhaps make charcoal in the kiln. Make bellows (animal skins?) to get a hot enough fire. Make a casting mold. Then melt the ore and pour it and cool it (all with primitive tools and clay). The result is usually low quality metal. Then hand grinding it on rocks, likely, to even get an edge.
Of course, all this while, there is no supermarket to feed you. So you’re also going to ensure you have someone provide you with food or hunt food in the meantime.
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