Obsidian
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A naturally occurring volcanic glass formed when silica-rich rhyolitic lava cools too quickly to crystallize, obsidian is typically opaque black but also occurs in mahogany brown, iridescent rainbow, translucent gray Apache tears, and spotted snowflake forms. It has been worked since the Paleolithic into extremely sharp blades, tools, and mirrors, and was traded widely across Mesoamerica, the Mediterranean, and the Pacific. Amorphous and without crystal structure, it measures 5.0 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Today this budget-tier semi-precious material is cut into cabochons, carvings, and spheres valued for their variety of patterns.
Physical & Optical Properties
Category
Semi-Precious Gems
Mohs Hardness
5.0 – 5.5
Specific Gravity
2.35 – 2.6
Refractive Index
1.45 – 1.55
Crystal System
Amorphous
Luster
Vitreous
Cleavage
None
Fracture
Conchoidal
Color
black
Dispersion
0.01
Pleochroism
Absent
Mohs Hardness
| Mohs | Reference mineral | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Talc | |
| 2 | Gypsum | |
| 3 | Calcite | |
| 4 | Fluorite | |
| 5 | Apatite | ● |
| 6 | Orthoclase | |
| 7 | Quartz | |
| 8 | Topaz | |
| 9 | Corundum | |
| 10 | Diamond |
Crystal System
Value & Market
Price Tier
Budget (< $50/ct)
Where to Buy Obsidian
Blue Nile
Fine jewelry retailer
James Allen
Gemstone jewelry
Brilliant Earth
Ethically sourced gems
Amazon
Wide selection
Links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
About Obsidian
黒曜石（オブシディアン）は、シリカに富む溶岩が急冷されてできた天然火山ガラスで、通常は黒色ですが流紋や雪花石英・レインボー効果を示す変種もあります。鋭い貝殻状断口を活かして旧石器時代から刃物・矢じりとして使われ、すべての石材のなかで最も鋭利な切断面が得られます。メキシコ・アイスランド・アメリカ西部・日本（白滝・高原山）・エチオピア・アルメニアが主要産地で、現在も工芸品・外科用メスの素材として活用されています。
Compare With
On this page
Jewelry Use
Durability
4/10
Science FYI Family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Obsidian?
黒曜石（オブシディアン）は、シリカに富む溶岩が急冷されてできた天然火山ガラスで、通常は黒色ですが流紋や雪花石英・レインボー効果を示す変種もあります。鋭い貝殻状断口を活かして旧石器時代から刃物・矢じりとして使われ、すべての石材のなかで最も鋭利な切断面が得られます。メキシコ・アイスランド・アメリカ西部・日本（白滝・高原山）・エチオピア・アルメニアが主要産地で、現在も工芸品・外科用メスの素材として活用されています。
What is the hardness of Obsidian?
Obsidian has a Mohs hardness of 5.0 to 5.5, making it moderate for use in jewelry.
What color is Obsidian?
Obsidian is primarily Black.
How much does Obsidian cost?
Obsidian falls into the Budget (< $50/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.
What is the crystal system of Obsidian?
Obsidian belongs to the Amorphous crystal system.