Snowflake obsidian

Snowflake obsidian is the kind of black obsidian that contains round white or grey-white spots. These spots are small, radially arranged clusters of crystals of cristobalite, a silica mineral. Like all obsidian it is volcanic glass, and the spots are the trace of the glass slowly beginning to crystallise. It is made into cabochons, beads and small ornaments.

Snowflake obsidian is an ornamental stone. It is cut into cabochons (polished domes), beads, spheres and small carvings, and tumbled pieces are common too. Because it is brittle like glass, it should be used with care in jewellery that takes knocks, such as rings.

It has a hardness of 5–5.5 on the Mohs scale. A fingernail cannot scratch it, but a steel knife can. Its specific gravity is 2.35–2.6 g/cm³.

Its best-known localities: Black Rock Desert (Black Spring area), Millard County, Utah, USA; Glass Buttes, Lake County, Oregon, USA; Magdalena area (El Trapiche), Jalisco, Mexico.

Round white or grey-white spots, arranged radially from a centre like snowflakes, are scattered through a black, glassy stone. The spots are inside the glass, not painted or scratched on the surface. Its hardness is close to that of window glass (about 5–5.5); a steel file can scratch it. Black bottle glass can look like obsidian, but round air bubbles, mould marks or a perfectly uniform look give it away.

On the “street to diamond” value ladder it sits on step 5 of nine: Ornamental stone. The beauty of the pattern matters most for snowflake obsidian: the contrast between the black background and the white spots, and an even, regular spread and good size of the spots, are what buyers look for. Crack-free, large pieces, a cut that shows the spots to best advantage, and a good polish count too. Obsidian is an abundant natural glass, so the snowflake kind is not an expensive stone either.

Today crystal-therapy sources say that the black-and-white pattern of snowflake obsidian symbolises the balance of light and darkness, and claim that the stone brings balance to body, mind and spirit, calms, and helps people let go of stressful thought patterns. In Türkiye, some stone sellers and lifestyle websites say that snowflake obsidian absorbs negative energy and forms a protective shield, balances the root chakra, reduces stress and anxiety, and improves focus. The contrast between the black background and the white spots is a physical result of cristobalite crystals forming inside the glass; there is no scientific evidence that it symbolises balance or protection, absorbs negative energy, or reduces stress or anxiety. Anyone with lasting anxiety should see a doctor. The edges of raw or broken obsidian are razor-sharp, so such pieces should not be rubbed over the skin. This section reports beliefs; it is not health information. There is no scientific evidence for these claims and no stone replaces medical treatment.

The edges of raw or broken obsidian can be sharper than a razor blade and easily cause deep cuts. Wear safety glasses and gloves when breaking or knapping it.