Many parts of the planet have been home to volcanic activity, so obsidian is actually very widespread. While this might make it seem like obsidian would be relatively rare, that isn't necessarily the case. So you'll only find it in areas that either currently or previously had active volcanoes. How obsidian is formed relies on volcanic activity. In fact, obsidian blades are used in surgeries, at times, largely because the cutting edge can be sharper with obsidian than what you can get in a traditional steel scalpel. However, even in an era where we have access to metals and other materials, we still use obsidian as a cutting tool today. That made obsidian exceptionally valuable to ancient people. Since it's glass, the edge can get incredibly sharp, making the stone a logical choice for knives, spear tips, arrowheads, and similar purposes. One of the original uses for obsidian was weaponry and cutting tools. However, while many people think of obsidian as a gem for jewelry, back in the stone age, that wasn't the case. What is obsidian used for today? Ornamental purposes are the norm. Obsidian has a long history, serving as a widely-used stone in many cultures. It can have a breathtaking play of color, with hues that can mimic the Northern Lights, the flames in a campfire, the light bouncing off of soap bubbles, the shine of oil slicks, and more. Instead of a largely black base, fire obsidian tends to be clear with iridescent qualities. Usually, the coloring beyond black involves blues and greens, not unlike the shades you find in a peacock feather.įire obsidian is another rare variant with amazing colors. This version has magnetite inclusions, giving the stone a multicolored look and iridescent quality that's incredibly striking. Peacock obsidian - also known as velvet obsidian - is quite rare. It gives the piece a mottled appearance, not unlike snowflakes scattered across the night sky. Snowflake obsidian is a black stone that features white inclusions. It can feature varying amounts of black as well, generally in a mottled or striped pattern.
Mahogany obsidian, thanks to the presence of iron, is usually a brick red color. However, it also has a golden sheen, making it seem like tiny golden glitter particles are trapped right beneath the surface. Golden obsidian usually has a darker base color, like black or deep brown. The exact shade can vary slightly, with some pieces being a stronger sapphire hue while others are closer to a robin's egg or even a light teal. However, obsidian actually comes in a wide range of colors.īlue obsidian tends to be fairly transparent with a distinct blue coloring. Black obsidian is usually what you find in jewelry, and it's also incredibly popular with lapidaries. When people think of obsidian, the black obsidian stone is what commonly comes to mind. When lava cools quickly and doesn't have much crystal growth as the temperature falls, it can create the glassy rock we know as obsidian. Still, their presence doesn't mean you aren't looking at a piece of obsidian.Īs for how obsidian is made, it forms from viscous magma usually. Different inclusions or impurities can alter the final color of the stone. However, it isn't always the only component. In fact, the silica is part of why obsidian has such a lovely glassy finish that reflects the light so brilliantly. When it comes to what obsidian is made of, silica plays a big role.
However, it is sometimes classified as a mineraloid, as it does have many mineral-like qualities. Technically, obsidian is a kind of naturally-occurring glass, though it's usually considered to simply be an igneous rock. If you're wondering, "Is obsidian a gem, or is obsidian a mineral?" the answer is neither. Plus, it's incredibly versatile and relatively easy to work with, making it a favorite among boutique jewelry makers.īut many people ask, "Is obsidian a gem, or is it something else?" If you're curious about obsidian, here's a look at some fun obsidian facts, including whether obsidian is a gem, how it is made, and more. It has a look that's hard to find in any other gem. For many people, obsidian is a jewelry favorite.
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