Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed when felsic lava cools rapidly, preventing crystal growth. This process results in an igneous rock with a smooth, glassy texture and a typically dark color, though impurities can create various hues and patterns. Its appeal is broad, attracting jewelry makers, lapidary enthusiasts, mineral collectors, and those interested in metaphysical properties. Finding the right piece, whether rough or polished, depends on knowing the diverse purchasing options available.
Online Marketplaces and Specialized Retailers
The digital landscape offers the most extensive selection of obsidian, providing access to a wide range of forms and varieties from global suppliers. Large, general marketplaces are convenient for quickly acquiring finished products like tumbled stones, polished spheres, or simple jewelry items. These platforms often feature mass-produced goods.
For buyers seeking specific or higher-quality pieces, specialized online retailers and artisan platforms are better options. Websites dedicated to geology, crystals, or metaphysical supplies frequently offer unique forms, such as slabs of Sheen Obsidian or raw chunks of Rainbow Obsidian. Artisan sites like Etsy connect buyers directly with small-scale sellers, providing access to handcrafted items and specimens sourced with transparent origins. These specialized sources are ideal for finding less common types like Mahogany Obsidian or Silver Sheen Obsidian.
Physical Locations and Local Sourcing
Purchasing obsidian in person allows for the tactile inspection of the material, which is invaluable for assessing quality and authenticity. Dedicated brick-and-mortar rock and gem shops, sometimes known as lapidary supply stores, are excellent resources for both finished products and raw material. These stores cater to the crafting community, often selling rough obsidian by the pound for knapping or slicing into slabs.
Major regional gem and mineral shows, such as the large annual events in Tucson or Denver, offer the most significant concentration of vendors. These shows feature sellers from around the world, providing an opportunity to see and handle rare varieties and large specimens. Local craft fairs and metaphysical markets also serve as sources, typically featuring smaller, finished pieces like jewelry and polished palm stones made by local artisans. The ability to speak directly with a vendor about the stone’s origin can greatly inform the purchasing decision.
Considerations When Purchasing Raw Obsidian
When evaluating raw obsidian, a buyer should focus on its unique geological properties to ensure authenticity. The lack of a crystalline structure means genuine obsidian will exhibit a characteristic conchoidal fracture, creating a smooth, shell-like break with razor-sharp edges. The stone’s hardness is relatively low, rating between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale, meaning it can be scratched with a steel file.
Buyers should closely examine the material for inclusions. Natural obsidian may contain tiny gas bubbles or white, radially clustered crystals of cristobalite, which create the signature appearance of Snowflake Obsidian. Conversely, large, clearly visible, or excessive bubbles can indicate manufactured glass or slag being passed off as natural volcanic glass.
While black is the most common color, authentic varieties like Mahogany Obsidian display brown-red coloring from iron impurities, and Sheen Obsidian shows golden or silver iridescence due to microscopic mineral layers. Raw chunks, rough slabs, and tumbled stones each present different levels of finish, so understanding the intended use will guide the choice of form.