Why is obsidian black?

That's because obsidian is volcanic glass. It forms when volcanic lava cools so quickly, there's no time for crystals to grow. This gives the rock a black, smooth, glossy shine.

Why is obsidian black and felsic?

Obsidian is commonly a translucent dark brown or black. Unlike basalt, obsidian's dark color is due to high amounts of impurities rather than the presence of dark colored minerals.

How does obsidian get its color?

The various colors of obsidian are a result of several factors. Clear varieties of obsidian contain very few opaque impurities or microscopic mineral crystals. Red or brown obsidian generally results from tiny crystals or inclusions of hematite or limonite (iron oxide).

How is obsidian black formed?

Obsidian is an "extrusive” rock, which means it is made from magma that erupted out of a volcano. If it was an igneous rock that formed from magma underground and did not erupt, it would have been called an "intrusive" rock.

Does obsidian have to be black?

Though obsidian is typically jet-black in colour, the presence of hematite (iron oxide) produces red and brown varieties, and the inclusion of tiny gas bubbles may create a golden sheen. Other types with dark bands or mottling in gray, green, or yellow are also known.

Black Obsidian - The Obsidian of Inner Power

Can obsidian be other colors besides black?

Black is obsidian's most common color. It can be brown, tan, or green, though. Obsidian may rarely be blue, red, orange, or yellow.

What is the rarest color of obsidian?

The variety obsidian that is the rarest and most valuable is called fire obsidian. This exceptionally rare form of obsidian displays rainbow colors when it's displayed at the correct angle. These colors are usually quite bold and intense, but the obsidian retains a black appearance from most angles.

What are 3 facts about obsidian?

Is obsidian rock rare?

Varieties. Transparent obsidians are quite rare, as are green, blue, and reddish colors. Hobbyists will occasionally facet these pieces.

Is obsidian harder than a diamond?

The hardest mineral on the scale, diamond, is given a hardness rating of 10. Since obsidian is rated at 5-6 on Moh's Hardness Scale, it is not stronger than a diamond; it's softer than a diamond.

Why is obsidian so rare?

Obsidian is found in many locations worldwide. It is confined to areas of geologically recent volcanic activity. Obsidian older than a few million years is rare because the glassy rock is rapidly destroyed or altered by weathering, heat, or other processes.

Is Rainbow obsidian natural?

Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass. It is formed during the eruption of felsic lavas, which are distinguished by having high concentrations of the chemical element silica.

What impurity gives obsidian its black color?

Pure obsidian is usually dark in appearance, though the color varies depending on the presence of impurities. Iron and magnesium typically give the obsidian a dark brown to black color.

Why is volcanic rock black?

Rocks that cool quickly, especially the outer layers of a flow, are primarily composed of glass particles and tiny mafic minerals. This is why the outer surface of a flow is black.

What makes obsidian felsic?

This rock is called obsidian. It is an igneous rock and forms when felsic (rich in silica) lava cools quickly on the earth's surface—forming natural glass!

Is obsidian the same as black?

The most common colour of Obsidian is black however it can also be brown, tan, red or green.

What is the rarest color rock?

Rare Rocks? The Blue Hue is the Rarest of All.

Is obsidian stronger than Onyx?

Black onyx: This relatively durable jewel features a 6.5-7 rating on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. That makes timeless onyx ring perfect pick for spicing up your celebratory attires. Obsidian: This gemstone is slightly less durable and has a 5 out of 10 rating on the Mohs scale.

What is special about obsidian?

Obsidian is a highly-regarded protective stone, known for its ability to block, absorb, and transform negative energy. Obsidian is believed to be a stone of clarity, with the ability to release emotional, physical, and spiritual blockages, drawing out stress and tension.

Is obsidian a stone or 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.

Why is obsidian easy to break?

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.

How unbreakable is obsidian?

In reality, obsidian is easily broken by human action and can also be worn down by the weather. This would make it a terrible substance from which to build a fortress. While obsidian is not used to build indestructible walls or portals, it is used to make surgical tools.

What's the rarest rock on earth?

Painite : Not just the rarest gemstone, but also the rarest mineral on earth, Painite holds the Guinness World Record for it. After its discovery in the year 1951, there existed only 2 specimens of Painite for the next many decades.

Is black obsidian expensive?

Moreover, the price of the Obsidian ranges between ₹100 per carat to ₹ 500 per carat .

Can obsidian be magnetic?

The magnetic properties of obsidian have been recognized by geologists for some time and the causes subject to investigation (e.g., Schlinger et al., 1986). Basic glasses are reported to be more magnetic than acid glasses (George, 1924:370).