It is a natural glass, typical of limited volcanic areas, among which is the island of Lipari. It is a gray colour, tending towards black, and semitrasparent.
An object of intense commercial exploitation in the Mediterranean basin, it was used prior to the discovery of metals for the manufacturing of utensils and arms.
The Aeolians exported it to Sicily and along the Tyrrhenian routes as far as France and Spain.
Aeolian Islands AGE OF BRONZE AGE NEOLITHIC AND METALS IN SICILY