Frequently asked questions

• What exactly is obsidian, and how does it differ from a mineral?

  Obsidian is volcanic glass, not a crystalline mineral. It forms when rhyolitic lava cools so quickly that atoms never organize into a crystal lattice, leaving an amorphous silica-rich glass. That structure is why obsidian shows the glossy, vitreous luster and conchoidal (shell-like) fracture you see on broken edges. Chemically it's close to granite, but the rapid quench locks it in a glassy state. For designers, the practical upshot is that obsidian polishes to a mirror finish unlike most opaque stones, but it behaves more like glass than like quartz when struck — chips and edge flakes are the failure mode to design around.
• How does obsidian's Mohs 5–5.5 hardness translate to real wear?

  Obsidian sits in the middle of the Mohs scale — harder than apatite, softer than quartz. The bigger concern isn't scratch resistance but conchoidal fracture: a sharp knock against a hard surface can chip an edge or facet, especially on faceted cuts and thin teardrops. It's well suited to earrings, pendants, necklaces, and bracelets worn with normal care. It's a poor choice for rings or anything that takes regular impact. Store strung pieces separately so harder stones (quartz, garnet, topaz) don't abrade the polish. Clean with mild soap, lukewarm water, and a soft cloth — skip ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
• Is obsidian typically treated, dyed, or stabilized?

  Plain black obsidian is almost always sold untreated — it's a naturally glossy volcanic glass that doesn't need enhancement to look its best. Patterned varieties like snowflake obsidian (white cristobalite inclusions), mahogany obsidian (iron-stained banding), and rainbow or sheen obsidian (microscopic inclusions producing iridescence) are also typically natural, with the visual effects coming from the glass itself. Treatment should be disclosed — ask before buying if it isn't specified. Be cautious of very saturated blue, purple, or green "obsidian" online; those colors usually indicate glass imitations or dyed material rather than natural volcanic glass.
• What stones get confused with obsidian in the bead trade?

  Several look-alikes share counter space. Apache tears are small rounded nodules of obsidian, usually translucent at the edges — same material, different form. Tektite is also a natural glass but forms from meteorite impact rather than volcanism, with a distinct pitted texture. Snowflake and rainbow obsidian are obsidian varieties, not separate species. Black onyx (a dyed chalcedony) is the most common substitute when a fully opaque, evenly black bead is needed — onyx is harder (Mohs 7) and lacks obsidian's glassy conchoidal fracture. Smoky quartz and black spinel are sometimes confused with obsidian in faceted cuts but are crystalline minerals with very different optical behavior.
• What designs does obsidian work best in?

  Obsidian's deep gloss reads as bold and graphic, which makes it a strong anchor stone in men's bracelets, statement strands, and minimalist sterling or oxidized-silver settings. The 6mm and 8mm rounds Dakota stocks heavily are the workhorse sizes for stacking bracelets and multi-strand necklaces; 10mm and 12mm rounds suit single-strand statement pieces. Patterned varieties (snowflake, mahogany, rainbow) pair well with silver, hematite, lava, and matte black agate for tonal designs, or with bright accents like turquoise, coral, or carnelian when you want contrast. For faceted cuts, keep findings smooth — rough wire ends can chip the glass edges over time.