On the island of Melos two ancient mines for obsidian exist at Sta Nychia and Demenegaki. Obsidian occurs in very soft volcanic rocks, from which it is easily separated. Close to the minesthe obsidian was used for the production of blades of different types. Both tools for shaping the blades as well as unfinished or broken blades of obsidian were found in considerable quantities. From these remains the techniques of shaping obsidian could be reconstructed. -- AATA