Obsidian Gemstone Beads
Obsidian, a naturally occurring volcanic glass, is formed when felsic lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth. Its smooth, glossy texture and rich, uniform color make it a favorite among gemstone enthusiasts. Originating deep within Earth, obsidian can range in color from deep black to browns and even greens, often displaying a mesmerizing sheen.
Facts: Obsidian has been a material of choice for tool-making and decorative art since prehistoric times. Ancient civilizations, including the Maya and the Aztecs, valued obsidian highly, employing it for cutting tools, mirrors, and ornamental objects. Its sharp edges and easy workability made it perfect for detailed carving and jewelry, establishing it as a significant trade item.
Metaphysical / Holistic: Obsidian is also renowned for its metaphysical properties. It is believed to protect against negativity and promote emotional stability, making it an ideal choice for jewelry that offers both beauty and spiritual benefits.
Obsidian 8x10mm Triangle Cut Faceted Puff Oval - 15-16-Inch
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$26.00
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$26.00
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$26.00
$26.00
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$26.00
Essentially a volcanic glass, Obsidian ranges in color from opaque black, to green, brown, mahogany, black with rainbow colors, black with snowflak...
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$26.00
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$26.00
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$26.00
$26.00
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$26.00
Black Obsidian 10mm Round - 15-16 Inch
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$14.00
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$14.00
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$14.00
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$14.00
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$14.00
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$14.00
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$14.00
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$14.00
Black Obsidian 4mm Round - 15-16 Inch
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$9.00
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$9.00
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$9.00
$9.00
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$9.00
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$9.00
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$9.00
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$9.00
$9.00
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$9.00
Black Obsidian 8mm Round - 15-16 Inch
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$10.00
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$10.00
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$10.00
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$10.00
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$10.00
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$10.00
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$10.00
$10.00
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$10.00
Flower Obsidian 10mm Round - 15-16 Inch
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$18.00
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$18.00
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$18.00
$18.00
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$18.00
Essentially a volcanic glass, Obsidian ranges in color from opaque black, to green, brown, mahogany, black with rainbow colors, black with snowflak...
View full details
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$18.00
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$18.00
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$18.00
$18.00
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$18.00
Mahogany Obsidian 12mm Round - 15-16 Inch
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$18.00
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$18.00
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$18.00
$18.00
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$18.00
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$18.00
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$18.00
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$18.00
$18.00
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$18.00
Flower Obsidian 8mm Round - 15-16 Inch
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$14.00
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$14.00
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$14.00
$14.00
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$14.00
Essentially a volcanic glass, Obsidian ranges in color from opaque black, to green, brown, mahogany, black with rainbow colors, black with snowflak...
View full details
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$14.00
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$14.00
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$14.00
$14.00
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$14.00
Black Obsidian 2x4mm Heishi - 15-16 Inch
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$14.00
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$14.00
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$14.00
$14.00
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$14.00
Essentially a volcanic glass, Obsidian ranges in color from opaque black, to green, brown, mahogany, black with rainbow colors, black with snowflak...
View full details
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$14.00
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$14.00
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$14.00
$14.00
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$14.00
Black Obsidian 6mm Star - 15-16 Inch
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$12.00
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$12.00
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$12.00
$12.00
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$12.00
Essentially a volcanic glass, Obsidian ranges in color from opaque black, to green, brown, mahogany, black with rainbow colors, black with snowflak...
View full details
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$12.00
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$12.00
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$12.00
$12.00
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$12.00
Ice Obsidian 10mm Round - 8-Inch
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$8.00
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$8.00
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$8.00
$8.00
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$8.00
Ice Obsidian is a light brown to green to gray volcanic stone. Obsidian is formed when felsic lava cools without crystal growth. It is sometimes us...
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$8.00
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$8.00
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$8.00
$8.00
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$8.00
Ice Obsidian 10x20mm Double Drill - 8-Inch
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$16.00
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$16.00
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$16.00
$16.00
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$16.00
Ice Obsidian is a light brown to green to gray volcanic stone. Obsidian is formed when felsic lava cools without crystal growth. It is sometimes us...
View full details
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$16.00
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$16.00
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$16.00
$16.00
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$16.00
Ice Obsidian 8x10mm Nugget - 8-Inch
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$8.00
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$8.00
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$8.00
$8.00
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$8.00
Ice Obsidian is a light brown to green to gray volcanic stone. Obsidian is formed when felsic lava cools without crystal growth. It is sometimes us...
View full details
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$8.00
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$8.00
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$8.00
$8.00
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$8.00
Ice Obsidian 8x16mm Rice Bead - 8-Inch
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$9.00
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$9.00
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$9.00
$9.00
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$9.00
Ice Obsidian is a light brown to green to gray volcanic stone. Obsidian is formed when felsic lava cools without crystal growth. It is sometimes us...
View full details
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$9.00
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$9.00
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$9.00
$9.00
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$9.00
Ice Obsidian 5x15mm Chip - 8-Inch
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$10.00
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$10.00
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$10.00
$10.00
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$10.00
Ice Obsidian is a light brown to green to gray volcanic stone. Obsidian is formed when felsic lava cools without crystal growth. It is sometimes us...
View full details
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$10.00
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$10.00
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$10.00
$10.00
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$10.00
Ice Obsidian 10x14mm Oval - 8-Inch
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$9.00
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$9.00
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$9.00
$9.00
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$9.00
Ice Obsidian is a light brown to green to gray volcanic stone. Obsidian is formed when felsic lava cools without crystal growth. It is sometimes us...
View full details
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$9.00
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$9.00
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$9.00
$9.00
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$9.00
Ice Obsidian 13x18mm Rectangle - 8-Inch
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$10.00
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$10.00
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$10.00
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$10.00
Ice Obsidian is a light brown to green to gray volcanic stone. Obsidian is formed when felsic lava cools without crystal growth. It is sometimes us...
View full details
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$10.00
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$10.00
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$10.00
$10.00
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$10.00
Ice Obsidian 12mm Square - 8-Inch
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$9.00
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$9.00
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$9.00
$9.00
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$9.00
Ice Obsidian is a light brown to green to gray volcanic stone. Obsidian is formed when felsic lava cools without crystal growth. It is sometimes us...
View full details
Original price
$9.00
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$9.00
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$9.00
$9.00
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$9.00
Black Obsidian 6mm Hexagon - 15-16 Inch
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$31.00
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$31.00
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$31.00
$31.00
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$31.00
Essentially a volcanic glass, Obsidian ranges in color from opaque black, to green, brown, mahogany, black with rainbow colors, black with snowflak...
View full details
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$31.00
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$31.00
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$31.00
$31.00
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$31.00
Black Obsidian 12x25-40mm Graduated Side Drilled Points - 15-16 Inch
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$43.00
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$43.00
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$43.00
$43.00
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$43.00
Essentially a volcanic glass, Obsidian ranges in color from opaque black, to green, brown, mahogany, black with rainbow colors, black with snowflak...
View full details
Original price
$43.00
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$43.00
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$43.00
$43.00
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$43.00
Black Obsidian 14mm Faceted Star - 15-16 Inch
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$32.00
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$32.00
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$32.00
$32.00
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$32.00
Essentially a volcanic glass, Obsidian ranges in color from opaque black, to green, brown, mahogany, black with rainbow colors, black with snowflak...
View full details
Original price
$32.00
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Original price
$32.00
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$32.00
$32.00
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$32.00
Black Obsidian 10x8mm Faceted Butterfly - 15-16 Inch
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$32.00
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$32.00
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$32.00
$32.00
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$32.00
Essentially a volcanic glass, Obsidian ranges in color from opaque black, to green, brown, mahogany, black with rainbow colors, black with snowflak...
View full details
Original price
$32.00
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Original price
$32.00
Original price
$32.00
$32.00
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$32.00
Snowflake Obsidian 8x10-9x13mm Side Drilled Pebble - 15-16 Inch
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$14.00
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$14.00
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$14.00
$14.00
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$14.00
Snowflake Obsidian is a volcanic black stone with small, white, radially clustered inclusions of cristobalite in the black glass, producing snowfla...
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$14.00
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$14.00
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$14.00
$14.00
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$14.00
Black Obsidian 8x10-9x13mm Side Drilled Pebble - 15-16 Inch
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$14.00
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$14.00
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$14.00
$14.00
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$14.00
Essentially a volcanic glass, Obsidian ranges in color from opaque black, to green, brown, mahogany, black with rainbow colors, black with snowflak...
View full details
Original price
$14.00
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Original price
$14.00
Original price
$14.00
$14.00
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$14.00
Black Obsidian 8mm Faceted Star Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$32.00
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$32.00
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$32.00
$32.00
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$32.00
Essentially a volcanic glass, Obsidian ranges in color from opaque black, to green, brown, mahogany, black with rainbow colors, black with snowflak...
View full details
Original price
$32.00
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Original price
$32.00
Original price
$32.00
$32.00
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$32.00
About this stone
Color
BlackBrownGreenMahoganyRainbowSnowflake
Origin
MexicoUSAIcelandJapanArmenia
Mohs hardness
5–5.5
Treatment categories
Natural
Industry-standard treatment
Natural — obsidian is volcanic glass and is not treated
Mineral chemistry
Volcanic glass, predominantly silica (rhyolitic composition)
Crystal system
Amorphous
Stone family
Volcanic glass
Common cuts
RoundFaceted RoundRondelle
Common sizes
4mm6mm8mm10mm
Care notes
Moderate hardness (Mohs 5–5.5) with conchoidal fracture — handle gently. Mild soap and soft cloth.
Related stones
Snowflake Obsidian, Rainbow Obsidian, Apache Tears, Tektite
Frequently asked questions
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Is obsidian a crystal or glass?
Obsidian is volcanic glass — amorphous silica with no crystal structure. It forms when felsic lava cools so rapidly that crystals never have time to grow, leaving a dense, glossy, glass-like material. This is why obsidian polishes to a mirror-like luster and breaks with the characteristic curved (conchoidal) fracture that made it a prehistoric tool material. Mineralogically it sits in its own category — not a mineral by strict definition, but a naturally-occurring volcanic product. -
Where does obsidian come from?
Obsidian forms at volcanic deposits worldwide wherever silica-rich (felsic) lava cools too fast for crystallization. Mexico — particularly the Pachuca and Jalisco regions — is the dominant commercial source for the bead trade. Other significant deposits include the western United States (Oregon, California, Idaho, Arizona), Iceland, Italy, Armenia, Russia, Japan, and Indonesia. Origin should be disclosed where the supplier has disclosed it — ask before buying if a strand doesn't specify. -
What's the difference between obsidian and onyx?
They look similar polished but are different materials. Onyx is microcrystalline quartz (chalcedony family) at Mohs 6.5–7 — a banded variety of quartz, often dyed jet-black for the bead trade. Obsidian is amorphous volcanic glass at Mohs 5–5.5 — softer, more brittle, and showing conchoidal fracture rather than the granular break of onyx. In a finished piece, obsidian carries a slightly more reflective glassy luster; onyx reads as a denser opaque black. -
What are the sub-varieties of obsidian?
The named sub-varieties come from what happened inside the cooling glass. Black obsidian is the base form. Snowflake obsidian has white-to-gray cristobalite spherulites from slow devitrification. Mahogany obsidian has reddish-brown iron oxide banding. Rainbow obsidian shows iridescent color bands from light interference off nanoscale magnetite layers. Gold sheen and silver sheen obsidian show a metallic-looking shimmer from light reflecting off aligned gas bubbles or mineral inclusions. Each sub-variety is its own sub-collection in Dakota's catalog. -
How durable is obsidian for daily wear?
Obsidian is Mohs 5–5.5 — softer than quartz-family stones (agate, jasper, chalcedony) and softer than most beads it shares a strand with. It is also brittle and fractures conchoidally, so sharp impact can chip an edge or split a bead. For finished pieces, obsidian works well in earrings, pendants, and necklaces where impact is rare; in rings or heavy-wear bracelets it benefits from careful design and protective placement. Standard cleaning is soft cloth with mild soap — avoid ultrasonics and steam.