Obsidian

Obsidian is a natural volcanic glass. This glassy, lustrous mineral is found in lava flows. Obsidian is produced when lava cools very quickly. The lava cools so quickly that no crystals can form. Obsidian was named after a Roman - Obsius. It has a hardness of around 6.

Obsidian comes in many varieties, but they are usually red, or black and usually are translucent on thin edges. Obsidian can also have a gold or silver "sheen", a play of light across its surface. There are Obsidian cliffs in Yellowstone park, and it is found in various varities throughout the U.S. and Mexico.

Spiderweb Obsidian was recently discovered in Chihuahua, Mexico. Only a small amount of rough is coming out! It is a lovely midnight blue with sky blue "webbing".

Rainbow Obsidian also comes from Mexico. It is a deep black color, but when rotated in light it shows bright flashes of rainbow colors! Microscopic crystals of various types of feldspars may yield the unique blue, green, purple or bronze colors associated with Rainbow Obsidian.

In Snowflake Obsidian, the inclusion of small, white, radially clustered crystals of cristobalite in the black glass produce a blotchy or snowflake pattern. Snowflake Obsidian is found in Utah.

In Mahogany Obsidian the red coloration is likely the result of trapped hematite. It is so called because the reddish brown color is similar to the wood-mahogany.

Obsidian was important to many ancient cultures. It was one of the major barter materials, and has been used since prehistoric times for making tools, masks, weapons, mirrors and jewelry. Legends say it provides strength in times of need.

Metaphysically Obsidian is said to be a very grounding stone, and very healing. It sharpens and focuses internal and external vision, and helps get in touch with buried issues before they explode.
Rainbow Obsidian brings hope and energy. This helps one feel more optimistic, and can help to alleviate depression or mood-swings.
Snowflake Obsidian enables one to make the best of a bad situation by clearing negative and self-defeating thoughts.
Mahogany Obsidian is said to be soothing during birth and it helps the body dispel poisons.
Gold Sheen Obsidian is ideal for enhancing one's direction and clarity of purpose.

OakRocks has been in the rock and mineral business for 30 years. We are a great source for Obsidian and carry a large selection of cabochons, decorator pieces and rough.

Check out the variety of Obsidian products in my store!