Prized for its rarity and depth, obsidian sits among the world’s collectible volcanic glasses.
— About Vanakat
From the volcanic slopes of Mount Arteni to the hands of master artisans — the story of the Caucasus’ largest obsidian house.
01 — What makes obsidian unique
Obsidian is a natural volcanic glass, formed when hot lava cools rapidly. It is more than a stone — it is a creation where the strength of nature meets the beauty of art.
Its deep, mirror-like surface has inspired awe since ancient times — a symbol of clarity, transformation and timeless elegance.
02 — The spirit of Armenian earth
In Armenia, obsidian carries a long and proud history. The first deposits were discovered near Lake Van in the first millennium BC, known as “Vanaqar” — from the Armenian words Van and qar, “the stone of Van.” That name still reflects the spirit of Armenia’s volcanic lands, where obsidian shines as a symbol of heritage and craftsmanship.
03 — Three key qualities
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Prized for its rarity and depth, obsidian sits among the world’s collectible volcanic glasses.
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Its non-porous, glass-smooth surface resists bacteria — pure by its very nature.
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No machine can master obsidian alone — every object is shaped by human hands.
04 — One land · infinite textures
More than ten types of obsidian exist around the world — yet only in Armenia can such rare diversity be found within a single land, each born of a different volcanic source.
Transparent and semi-transparent — the glossy, mirror-still void.
Smoke and mist drifting within black volcanic glass.
Mahogany earth-tones trapped beneath the surface.
Microscopic bubbles scatter a metallic sheen.
05 — About Vanakat
Founded in 2017, Vanakat is the largest obsidian mining and processing company in the Caucasus — and ranks second in the world by reserves. Today it is the leading exporter of Armenian obsidian to China, with its most significant deposit at Mount Arteni in the Aragatsotn region.
tonnes of estimated reserve
hectares of mines at Mount Arteni
in the world by obsidian reserves
founded — exporting to China
06 — From mine to masterpiece
Since 2021, Vanakat has reached beyond mining to establish its own manufacturing workshop — bringing the beauty of obsidian to life.
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07 — The art of Vanakat
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No industrial machinery in the world can work obsidian. Every creation is made by hand — from the first cut of the raw stone to the final mirror polish.
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A specially designed decal is applied, then fired in a kiln at 800°C. As it cools, the image fuses into the stone — resistant to fading, damage or time.
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A state-of-the-art 3D CNC system carves engravings of any complexity — from fine logos to detailed three-dimensional images.
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Obsidian married with metal — brass, copper, silver and gold — often with 24K gold-plated elements in classic and rose finishes.
