Golden Obsidian
Volcanic & Glassy Family
Golden obsidian is natural, silica-rich volcanic glass with a gold-colored reflective sheen. It is a rock rather than a mineral because it lacks a crystal structure; aligned, lens-shaped inclusions of gas or differently composed glass reflect light from the dark body.
Identity
- Material or variety
- Natural volcanic glass
- Scientific or material identity
- Natural volcanic glass
- Classification
- Natural glass
- Aliases or trade names
- Gold sheen obsidian · Golden sheen obsidian
- Composition or formula
- Silica-rich natural glass; composition varies
- Crystal system or structure
- Non-crystalline (amorphous)
- Geological or manufacturing origin
- Forms in igneous rock or volcanic material.
- Mohs hardness
- 5 to 5.5
- Specific gravity
- 2.3 to 2.6
Origins
Mexico · USA
Appearance & optical properties
black volcanic glass with a broad metallic gold sheen.
History & discovery
People have worked ordinary obsidian into sharp tools since prehistoric times, and polished it into mirrors and ornaments. The golden variety is named for its optical sheen rather than a separate composition; modern gemological studies place it among sheen obsidians.
Uses & care
- Common uses
- Golden obsidian is cut into cabochons, beads, spheres, carvings, and display pieces that orient the reflective layers toward the viewer.
- Handling and cleaning
- Obsidian is brittle glass and can chip into sharp edges. Protect it from impacts, abrasion, and sudden temperature changes, and wipe it with a soft damp cloth.
Jewellery
5 pieces of Golden Obsidian jewellery. Learners earn each one in DigMyGem by learning words; until then it shows as a silhouette.
Gilded Night Ring
Ring
A golden obsidian cabochon throws a soft metallic sheen from a plain gold band, gold light on black glass.
Sun Halo Pendant
Pendant
A round golden obsidian is encircled by a thin halo of gold, so the stone appears lit from behind.
Midnight Diadem
Tiara
Small golden obsidian cabochons line a narrow gold diadem, each one set a little forward of the last.
Golden Sheen Pendant
Pendant
An imagined pendant of golden sheen obsidian, a black volcanic glass that shows a gold shimmer under light.
Gilded Night Collar
Necklace
An imagined collar of golden obsidian, black glass that shines with a golden sheen when it turns in the light.