Gemstone profile and identification guide

Snowflake Obsidian

Snowflake obsidian is a patterned obsidian variety containing cristobalite spherulites.

5.5 Mohs Black, White Snowflake Pattern Volcanic Glass (Obsidian Variety)

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Overview

Snowflake obsidian is a patterned obsidian variety containing cristobalite spherulites.

Did you know? Snowflake patterns form after lava solidification through devitrification processes.

Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.

Identification

Name: Snowflake Obsidian

Scientific classification: Volcanic Glass (Obsidian Variety)

Hardness: 5.5 Mohs

Transparency: opaque

Lustre: vitreous

Crystal system: Amorphous glass with crystalline inclusions

Primary colour: Black

Secondary colour: White Snowflake Pattern

Colour family: Blacks

Black glass host with distinct white spherulitic spots is diagnostic.

Verification Status

Status: verified-core-fields

Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society

Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.

Trade-name and treatment-sensitive entries include explicit disclosure notes where applicable.

Physical Properties

Hardness category: medium

Hardness value: 5.5 Mohs

Chemical composition: Natural silica-rich volcanic glass with cristobalite spherulites

Crystal system: Amorphous glass with crystalline inclusions

Common locations: United States, Mexico, Armenia, Iceland

Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.

Colour Variations

Black obsidian with white-gray snowflake-like spherulitic patterns.

Optical effects: Snowflake Pattern

Detailed Gemology

Mineral species: Obsidian (snowflake variety)

Mineral group: Volcanic glass mineraloid

Chemical formula: Natural silica-rich volcanic glass with cristobalite spherulites

Mohs hardness: 5.5

Crystal system: Amorphous glass with crystalline inclusions

Lustre: vitreous

Transparency: opaque

Streak: White

Cleavage: None

Fracture: Conchoidal

Specific gravity: 2.35-2.60

Refractive index: 1.48-1.51

Optical phenomena: Spherulitic snowflake pattern

Colour range: Black with white-gray spots

Common inclusions: Cristobalite spherulites, flow textures, bubbles

Geological environment: Rhyolitic volcanic glass flows

Principal mining regions: United States, Mexico, Armenia, Iceland

Important commercial sources: Snowflake obsidian originates in volcanic glass flows with devitrification patterns

Historical significance: Popular ornamental obsidian variant in modern lapidary trade.

Common treatments: Usually untreated.

Synthetic or imitation forms: Patterned glass imitations can exist.

Common look-alikes: Dyed glass, black-and-white composites

Jewellery uses: Used in cabochons, carvings, beads, and decorative objects.

Care recommendations: Glassy material can chip; avoid impact and sharp edge abrasion.

Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Snowflake Obsidian.

Formation

Rapid lava cooling forms glass; partial devitrification creates snowflake-like spherulites.

Origin

Snowflake obsidian originates in volcanic glass flows with devitrification patterns

Uses

Best for: Used in cabochons, carvings, beads, and decorative objects.

Ideal uses: Pattern-focused decorative jewelry.

Care

Glassy material can chip; avoid impact and sharp edge abrasion.

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