Mahogany Obsidian
Volcanic & Glassy Family
Mahogany obsidian is a descriptive trade name for naturally patterned obsidian, not a separate mineral. It is silica-rich volcanic glass with black areas broken by reddish-brown patches, and it retains obsidian’s glassy luster and curved conchoidal fracture.
Identity
- Material or variety
- Obsidian
- Scientific or material identity
- Natural volcanic glass
- Classification
- Natural glass
- 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 · Oregon, USA
Appearance & optical properties
black volcanic glass with reddish mahogany patches.
Uses & care
- Common uses
- The patterned glass is polished into cabochons, beads, carvings, and display pieces. Like other obsidian, it can also be flaked to produce a very sharp edge.
Jewellery
5 pieces of Mahogany Obsidian jewellery. Learners earn each one in DigMyGem by learning words; until then it shows as a silhouette.
Ember Heart Pendant
Pendant
A teardrop of mahogany obsidian glows deep red-brown where the light enters, set in a copper frame.
Forge Ring
Ring
A broad copper band holds a flat mahogany obsidian tablet, dark as a blacksmith's cooled iron.
Autumn Brooch
Brooch
A leaf-shaped mahogany obsidian is pinned in bronze, its brown and black veins running like autumn grain.
Hearth Bead Necklace
Necklace
An imagined necklace of round mahogany obsidian beads, black glass streaked with red-brown like embers in a hearth.
Ember Throne Cuff
Bracelet
An imagined wide gold cuff inlaid with mahogany obsidian, black glass swirled with red-brown like embers in ash.