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
黑曜石是一种由富硅熔岩急速冷却而形成的天然火山玻璃，通常呈黑色，有时呈褐色、灰色或带有彩虹晕彩（虹彩黑曜石），玻璃光泽，贝壳状断口，断面极为锋利。由于贝壳状断口可产生极为锋利的边缘，黑曜石自石器时代起便被用于制作切割工具和武器，是人类最早利用的天然材料之一。玛雅文明将黑曜石视为神圣之物，广泛用于祭祀、外科手术刀具和装饰。现代宝石业将黑曜石切磨为弧面形宝石、雕件和珠串，彩虹黑曜石和雪花黑曜石尤受欢迎。
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Jewelry Use
Durability
4/10
Science FYI Family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Obsidian?
黑曜石是一种由富硅熔岩急速冷却而形成的天然火山玻璃，通常呈黑色，有时呈褐色、灰色或带有彩虹晕彩（虹彩黑曜石），玻璃光泽，贝壳状断口，断面极为锋利。由于贝壳状断口可产生极为锋利的边缘，黑曜石自石器时代起便被用于制作切割工具和武器，是人类最早利用的天然材料之一。玛雅文明将黑曜石视为神圣之物，广泛用于祭祀、外科手术刀具和装饰。现代宝石业将黑曜石切磨为弧面形宝石、雕件和珠串，彩虹黑曜石和雪花黑曜石尤受欢迎。
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.