Obsidian with white or gray cristobalite crystals (a polymorph of quartz that has the same composition, SiO 2, but a different structure) contrasting on a black glassy obsidian background resemble snowflakes. The very thirst thing people pay attention to is the color and texture of obsidian. Let’s figure out the most valuable colors, textures, and varieties of obsidian. Impurities of various tiny minerals give rise to a variety of obsidian colors. It can be transparent to opaque and sometimes has a sheen. Obsidian can also be found in brown, dark-yellow, orange, red, and, occasionally, green, bluish, and purplish. In addition, ancient obsidian knives, arrowheads, and mirrors are precious.
Beautifully textured obsidians (snowflake black-and-white, Mahogany red-and-black, and rainbow) are worth more. Rough common black obsidians cost around $50 per kilo. Obsidian value depends on the quality of the material. Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Rocks and Minerals (National Geographic Kids).Gemstone & Crystal Properties (Quick Study Home).Smithsonian Handbooks: Rocks & Minerals.That is why the value for these obsidian subjects is far higher than for modern carved pieces.īTW: Do you want to know more about rock and mineral identification? The books listed below are the best ones you can find on the internet (Amazon links):
Today, archeologists’ findings of obsidian tools usually end up in museums or private collections. This property was highly praised in ancient times, so obsidian was a desirable stone as it was necessary for knives, arrowheads, scrapers, and other tools and weapons production. The etalon one.Īlso, when chipped, obsidian creates exceptionally sharp edges. Obsidian has a very noticeable feature – a conchoidal fracture. Its hardness is 5 – 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Obsidian’s chemical composition is mostly silicon dioxide. That is why, scientifically speaking, it is a mineraloid. As the obsidian structure is amorphous, it cannot be called a mineral. It is formed by the rapid cooling of molten lava, and there is not enough time for molten material to crystallize and create a crystal structure.
Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass. Scientifically speaking, it’s not clearly a rock, also. You might have noticed that we avoid using terms like mineral and crystal. Archeological findings made of obsidian usually become museum pieces.īefore shedding light on the value of obsidian varieties, we would like to speak about what obsidian is. Additional value for obsidian creates its historical background. However, snowflakes, Mahogany, and rainbow obsidians are worth more. Rough pieces of typical black obsidian usually do not exceed the price of $30 – 50 per kilo. Ordinary opaque black obsidian is well-known as an inexpensive material? However, other varieties of obsidian are not so popular and widespread, but the price rise for some extraordinary obsidian varieties. If you are interested in checking out the best books about rock and minerals identification you can find them by clicking here (Amazon link). So let’s dispel the myth that obsidian is dull black opaque stone. Obsidian was used as knife blades, arrowheads, and mirrors.Ĭan you imagine that obsidian, we used to think of as black opaque material without any decorative application, can have gentle rainbow colors and a delicate sheen? Rainbow obsidian, cat’s eye obsidian, and Mahogany obsidian can reach hundreds of dollars for a bead necklace. Also, obsidian has been known to humans since ancient times and is very important for archeology. Some stones can have a chatoyancy (cat’s eye) effect. Obsidian is valuable for its beautiful textures, rainbow sheen, and snowflake-like appearance. Some even-colored stones can be faceted and used as calibrated gemstones in jewelry. Mahogany red-and-black obsidians are also extremely popular for jewelry and beads. Even being a widespread opaque and inexpensive stone at first glance, some exceptional rainbow obsidians reach a hundred dollars for a 5 cm polished piece. It is widely used for tumbling, beads, and small sculptures. Obsidian is a valuable material with intriguing textures. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases with no additional costs for you.
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