The facts
What snowflake Obsidian actually is
Mineralogically, snowflake Obsidian is volcanic glass — SiO₂-rich glass with cristobalite spherulites, crystallising in the amorphous system.
The colour is caused by black glass with white radiating cristobalite spherulites formed by partial devitrification. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.48–1.51, and the specific gravity sits near 2.33–2.42; cleavage is none (conchoidal fracture).
Where snowflake Obsidian comes from
The recognised sources are Millard County, Utah, USA and Glass Butte, Oregon, USA.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How snowflake Obsidian is treated
Untreated. The 'snowflakes' are a natural devitrification texture, not inclusions.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What snowflake Obsidian is confused with
The usual confusions are Flower obsidian, Man-made glass and Speckled ceramic.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.48–1.51 and specific gravity 2.33–2.42 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What snowflake Obsidian is used for
Snowflake Obsidian is bought by jewellery, carving and sculpture, decorative objects, architecture and interiors and mineral collecting — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat, by the block or by the piece.
Durability and care
Snowflake Obsidian is 5–5.5 on the Mohs scale, with none (conchoidal fracture) cleavage.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What snowflake Obsidian costs
Indicative pricing for snowflake Obsidian is $0.10–3/ct.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is snowflake Obsidian treated, and how?
Untreated. The 'snowflakes' are a natural devitrification texture, not inclusions.
Where does snowflake Obsidian come from?
Millard County, Utah, USA and Glass Butte, Oregon, USA. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is snowflake Obsidian hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 5–5.5 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does snowflake Obsidian cost?
Indicatively $0.10–3/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is snowflake Obsidian confused with?
Most often Flower obsidian, Man-made glass and Speckled ceramic. A refractive index of 1.48–1.51 and a specific gravity near 2.33–2.42 separate it quickly.
What is snowflake Obsidian used for besides jewellery?
carving and sculpture, decorative objects, architecture and interiors and mineral collecting. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for snowflake obsidian?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about snowflake obsidian