This optical play of colors adds a mystical and enchanting quality to the gem. These colors can include shades of purple, green, blue, gold, and even hints of red. Rainbow ObsidianĪs the name suggests, rainbow obsidian exhibits captivating bands of shimmering colors when viewed under direct light. The contrasting hues create a visually appealing and earthy look, making it a popular choice for both aesthetic and grounding purposes. Mahogany obsidian is characterized by its rich brown color, sometimes with darker, mahogany or reddish-brown streaks or patterns. Its smooth surface often reflects light brilliantly, giving it a striking and elegant appearance. It presents itself as a sleek, solid black gem with a glassy luster. This is the most recognizable and widely known type of obsidian. Different colored obsidian is caused mainly by inclusions or trace elements.Īlthough specific geographical locations are known to have more of a particular obsidian type, all types of obsidian have been found worldwide. Obsidian that is more transparent has less silica, while opaque obsidian has more silica. All obsidian is glass, but all glass is not obsidian if that is helpful. There is no naturally occurring blue obsidian. It is a very clear coloring with a slight blue-green hue to it. There is a new 'blue obsidian' on the market that is in fact just glass. Some Obsidian crystals may even have gas bubbles from the lava flow which produces a golden or silver sheen, just to name a few. Naturally, some impurities may affect the color like iron that gives it a dark brown or red and black color ( Mahogany Obsidian) or minerals like Cristobalite that give it a snowflake pattern ( Snowflake Obsidian). Iridescent or sheen obsidian occurs when gas bubbles are trapped between the lava’s layers during formation. There is even a ‘rainbow obsidian’ that when polished correctly will show off an array of different color sheens. What Color is Obsidian?ĭepending on locality, obsidian can also be found in different transparencies, sheens, patterns, and hues of gray, green, tan, brown, and can rarely be found in blue, red, orange, and yellow. Obsidian can often be identified by its round fractures that resemble a ripple in the water. The most commonly found obsidian will be opaque (brown/gray on its thin edges), jet black, brittle with a smooth surface area, sharp edges, and a glossy mirror-like surface. Obsidian is a 5.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Black Obsidian is an igneous rock/glass that forms when felsic lava (lower temp lava) cools rapidly, hardening without an internal crystalline structure.
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