![]() ![]() ![]() Obsidian typical hardness of 5 to 5.5 on the mineral hardness scale. Because of rapid solidification, crystals have no time to grow in a lava flow.Įven being composed of silica mostly, obsidian is softer than quartz and any of its varieties. It cannot be classified as a rock as there is an almost total absence of sizable mineral crystals within the glass matrix. It is considered to be a mineraloid as it has no crystalline structure. Obsidian is neither a rock nor a mineral. The bubbles can be of elongated forms that follow the direction of lava flows. It is composed of more than 70 percent silica and is low in volatile content.įormation on the surface led to air bubbles trapped in obsidian during solidification. Obsidian usually has rhyolitic composition. Obsidian is a natural glass that formed as a result of rapid lava solidification on the surface. Obsidian’s distinguishing features are confined to its geological formation process. Finally, check the sample with a hot needle to exclude substituents made of plastic. Next, observe the characteristics of texture and gas bubble inclusions. To tell if an obsidian stone is real, check the intensity of color and translucency and examine the stone attentively under magnification. Obsidian was known to ancient people as a hard, sharp, and durable material and used as knife blades, arrows- and spearheads. Real obsidian is commonly known as a black-colored, translucent, or opaque stone with very sharp edges and characteristic conchoidal (shell-like) fracture. If you are interested in checking out the best books about rock and minerals identification you can find them by clicking here (Amazon link). ![]() No worries, this article will pay attention to other helpful properties that separate real and fake obsidian. That is why it is really challenging to differentiate one glass from another, as they have similar hardness and fracture type – features commonly used in fast mineral identification. Real obsidian is dark colored, translucent to opaque, dense, and inert to UV light material that never forms crystals.ĭragonglass from the Game of Thrones TV show is obsidian! Characters highly prized this stone because of its properties, so let’s learn more about it! Real obsidian is a natural glass. Real and fake obsidian can be set apart by 8 key factors: color, texture, density, hardness, translucency, a form of bubbles, hot needle and UV light reaction, and form of occurrence. Still, even this fact doesn’t stop fake gemstone manufacturers. Obsidian is a readily available gemstone because of numerous geological sources from all over the world. Time, patience, and additional equipment are needed to differentiate between natural and fake obsidian. Obsidian fakes are hardly spotted with the unaided eye. Mahogany Obsidian is believed to help sharpen and focus internal and external vision, and helps one get in touch with buried issues before they can explode.As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases with no additional costs for you. It is said to dispel feelings of unworthiness, that can hold one back from achieving their full potential. Mahogany Obsidian is said to be a very grounding stone, and very healing. Mahogany Obsidian cabochons have a hardness of 5 to 5.5. Obsidian was named after a Roman- Obsius, who is said to have discovered it. The red coloration in Mahogany Obsidian is likely the result of trapped hematite. The lava cools so quickly that no crystals can form. Obsidian is produced when lava cools very quickly. This glassy, lustrous gemstone is found in lava flows. This semiprecious gemstone material is translucent and some of it actually looks banded or striped when lit with a back light.īlack Obsidian is a natural volcanic glass. When rotated in bright light there is a golden flash of color! These beautiful designer cabochons also have a chatoyant gold sheen effect. ![]() This deep black Obsidian with blood red streaks is found in central Oregon. Called Mahogany Obsidian because the red is similar to mahogany wood. ![]()
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