Dragon Glass of Georgia

In the rugged heart of Georgia’s Dzhavakheti volcanic plateau lies a geological marvel that’s as ancient as it is mesmerizing: the only obsidian deposit in the country, often dubbed “dragon glass” by fans of epic tales like Game of Thrones. Obsidian, that enigmatic volcanic glass, forms from molten quartz and feldspar that erupts, flows, and solidifies into a substance as sharp as it is mysterious. Dating back to the Stone Age—roughly the 10th to 9th millennia BCE—this black, glassy rock was a cornerstone of human ingenuity. Archaeologists have unearthed obsidian tools and weapons across Georgia, all tracing their origins to one source: Mount Chikiani.

This unassuming peak is more than a geological oddity; it’s a testament to the cradle of early Caucasian civilizations. In the depths of prehistory, Mount Chikiani’s obsidian wasn’t just local fare—it traveled hundreds of kilometers, a silent witness to ancient trade routes and the plateau’s renown among our ancestors. The deposits here remain awe-inspiring in scale, drawing not only historians and geologists but also enthusiasts of modern fantasies: devotees of Game of Thrones seek their own “dragon glass,” while Minecraft players marvel at the real-world inspiration for their pixelated obsidian blocks.

Finding Mount Chikiani is refreshingly straightforward, a boon for travelers weaving through Georgia’s scenic byways. It sits proudly on the shore of Lake Paravani, right along the highway connecting Tsalka to Akhalkalaki. To hunt for obsidian stones, simply pull over on the roadside—no need for arduous hikes. Ongoing railway construction beneath the mountain has unearthed treasures, scattering obsidian right on the surface for easy discovery. 

GPS Coordinates: 41.505713, 43.886182