Obsidian

Q: What is Obsidian?

Obsidiana é um vidro vulcânico natural formado pelo rápido arrefecimento de lava rica em sílica, sem tempo para formação de cristais. A sua cor negra intensa (embora possa ser castanha, verde ou com manchas) com brilho vítreo torna-a imediatamente reconhecível. Uma das primeiras pedras usadas pelo H

Q: What is the hardness of Obsidian?

Obsidian has a Mohs hardness of 5.0 to 5.5, making it moderate for use in jewelry.

Q: How much does Obsidian cost?

Obsidian falls into the Budget (< $50/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.

Q: What is the crystal system of Obsidian?

Obsidian belongs to the Amorphous crystal system.

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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 hardness of Obsidian shown against the ten reference minerals, from talc (1) to diamond (10).

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

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About Obsidian

Obsidiana é um vidro vulcânico natural formado pelo rápido arrefecimento de lava rica em sílica, sem tempo para formação de cristais. A sua cor negra intensa (embora possa ser castanha, verde ou com manchas) com brilho vítreo torna-a imediatamente reconhecível. Uma das primeiras pedras usadas pelo Homem, a obsidiana foi vital para o fabrico de ferramentas cortantes e pontas de flecha na Pré-história. A obsidiana arco-íris mostra cores iridescentes. Variedades como o flocos de neve e a obsidiana mogno têm padrões distintos. Os principais depósitos localizam-se no México, Islândia e Itália.