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Yellowstone NP, Wyoming
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Obsidian Cliff, located in Yellowstone National Park, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996 due to its archaeological significance as a major source of obsidian for Native American toolmaking.
The cliff is composed of volcanic glass, known as obsidian, which was formed from rapidly cooling lava around 180,000 years ago.
Artifacts made from Obsidian Cliff's glass have been found as far as the Mississippi Valley, indicating its importance in ancient trade networks.
Researchers have used the unique properties of the obsidian to study volcanic activity and the geological history of Yellowstone.
The cliff is part of the Yellowstone Caldera, one of the largest active volcanic systems in the world.
