What is special about obsidian?
Sarah Duran
Updated on March 17, 2026
Obsidian is quite unique due to its smooth, uniform volcanic glass texture. Obsidian is usually considered an extrusive rock, because it usually solidifies above Earth's surface where the edges of a lava flow come into contact with cool air or water.
What are 3 facts about obsidian?
Interesting Obsidian Rock Facts:Obsidian is also known as "nature's glass" because of its glassy appearance. When obsidian breaks, the fractures are very sharp which is why it was used as tools in the Stone Age. Seventy percent of obsidian rock is made of silica. Obsidian can only form near active volcanoes.
Is obsidian valuable?
Large pieces of black obsidian can cost hundreds of dollars. This is not the most valuable gemstone, but it's more valuable than some. Generally speaking, a small piece of real obsidian can range from $2-100 depending on the quality, carat, and processing it's gone through.What is obsidian and what was it used for?
Obsidian was used to make knives, arrowheads, spear points, scrapers, and many other weapons and tools. Once these discoveries were made, obsidian quickly became the raw material of preference for producing almost any sharp object.Why is obsidian so rare?
Obsidian is relatively unstable from a geologic perspective. It is rare to find obsidian older than about 20 million years, which is very youthful in comparison to most continental rocks that form the Earth's crust.Obsidian: Spiritual Meaning, Powers And Uses
Who should not wear obsidian?
Wearing Black Obsidian jewelry is not recommended for people under the age of 16 or over 70. It is also not recommended for people who have high blood pressure or are prone to anxiety, as it is believed to intensify these conditions.Is obsidian toxic?
Is Obsidian Dangerous? While obsidian is powerful, it is not dangerous. The only potential; danger that comes from this particular stone is in its rough form because it can have very sharp edges. In the past it has been used for blades and heads of arrows, but beyond this it is a safe stone for the most part.Is obsidian rare or common?
Obsidian is the most common form of natural glass and occurs in many attractive varieties.Where should I put black obsidian in my house?
The main entrance, near front door of your home is a must place for black obsidian. It is the place where different people, energies, and opportunities come into your house and also in your life. It protects your home from negative energies and build positive vibes at your entrance.How strong is obsidian?
Obsidian is rated at 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, with diamond rated at 10, and talc rated at 1. It has very high tensile strength, but is also very brittle due to low compressive strength.How much money is a piece of obsidian worth?
The price of obsidian varies between $2.00 and $100.00. For unprocessed obsidian, the wholesale value is between $5.00 and $10.00 per kilogram.Is obsidian a gem?
Obsidian Properties – Is Obsidian a Gem? If you're wondering, "Is obsidian a gem, or is obsidian a mineral?" the answer is neither. Technically, obsidian is a kind of naturally-occurring glass, though it's usually considered to simply be an igneous rock.Does obsidian break easily?
It has a hardness of about 5.5 which makes it easy to scratch. It also lacks toughness and is easily broken or chipped upon impact. These durability concerns make obsidian an inappropriate stone for rings and bracelets.What obsidian means?
Definition of obsidian: a dark natural glass formed by the cooling of molten lava.