DigMyGem Gem encyclopedia

Snowflake Obsidian

Volcanic & Glassy Family

Snowflake obsidian is a patterned form of obsidian, a natural volcanic glass rather than a mineral crystal. Its pale “snowflakes” are spherulites: radial clusters of cristobalite crystals that grew as parts of the black glass began to crystallize.

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

USA · Mexico · Iceland

Appearance & optical properties

black volcanic glass with scattered white snowflake spherulites.

History & discovery

The variety takes its name from those pale, snowflake-like clusters. Obsidian itself formed an important tool material for thousands of years because its conchoidal fracture produces extremely sharp edges; the patterned variety is now valued mainly for decoration.

Uses & care

Common uses
Snowflake obsidian is polished into cabochons, beads, spheres, carvings, and display objects. Obsidian more broadly has long been worked into blades, scrapers, and projectile points.
Handling and cleaning
Use mild soap, warm water, and a soft brush or lint-free cloth. Obsidian is brittle and can form razor-sharp chips, so avoid impacts, heat, steam, ultrasonic cleaners, and abrasive scrubbing.

Jewellery

5 pieces of Snowflake Obsidian jewellery. Learners earn each one in DigMyGem by learning words; until then it shows as a silhouette.

  • Silhouette of Snowfall Brooch

    Snowfall Brooch

    Brooch

    A round snowflake obsidian is ringed with silver crystals, its white speckles mirrored by the metalwork.

  • Silhouette of First Snow Ring

    First Snow Ring

    Ring

    A domed snowflake obsidian sits on a silver band, its grey-white stars drifting across dark glass.

  • Silhouette of Winter Branch Necklace

    Winter Branch Necklace

    Necklace

    Small round snowflake obsidian beads hang like berries from a silver branch of a chain.

  • Silhouette of Winter Night Earrings

    Winter Night Earrings

    Earrings

    Imagined earrings of snowflake obsidian, black volcanic glass dotted with white crystal flowers like snow at night.

  • Silhouette of Winter Night Tiara

    Winter Night Tiara

    Tiara

    An imagined silver tiara set with snowflake obsidian, black stone dotted with white flowers like snow falling at night.

Sources