Obsidian

Obsidian is natural glass. It has been used for jewelry, mirrors, tools and more for centuries.

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Obsidian Jewelry

Obsidian Jewelry courtesy of The Crystal Ball Inc Obsidian Pendants, Obsidian Earrings, Obsidian Rings and Obsidian Bracelets through Amazon Search Jewelry Mall Stores for Obsidian

 
Obsidian Care & Where

Obsidian is natural glass formed by volcanic lava that cooled too quickly. It is usually black. Other colors include: brown, gray, red, blue and green. When there are bubbles or crystal inclusions, it is often called snowflake obsidian. Some obsidian has iridescence: flashes of color. Obsidian has a hardness rating of 5.

Obsidian is fairly fragile. Avoid sharp blows as it will crack.

Obsidian is most often found in Hawaii, Japan and Java. However, it can be found in all areas with volcanic activity. Dark pieces found in Arizona and New Mexico are called Apache Tears.

Actual Gem-related books:
• Gem Identification Made Easy: A Hands-On Guide to More Confident Buying & Selling New 2nd Edition - by Antoinette L. Matlins & Antonio C. Bonanno
  This book is really great for knowing he latest gems, synthetics, treatments, and instruments. Easy to use.

• Gemstone Buying Guide: A Guide to Buying - by Renee Newman
  Very nice gemstone identification book.

• Gemstones of the World - by Walter Schumann
  A very well written source on gemstones with great descriptions and photographs

  Books with Obsidian in their Title:

• The Obsidian Oracle - by Troy Denning
  A fantasy book.

  Bibliography:

• The Curious Lore of Precious Stones - by George Frederick Kunz
  The definitive book on fascinating, traditional gem lore. Very practical.

• Gemstones (Eyewitness Handbooks) - by Cally Hall, Harry Taylor (Photographer)
  A field guide to gemstones. Nice pictures and good, brief, well-written descriptions of over 130 varieties of gemstones.

• Gemisphere Luminary - by Michael Katz
  This is my favorite gemstone properties reference. Very newage-ish.

  
  

  Thanks to Amazon.com for fast, efficient, and reliable book processing

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Birthstone Months with Obsidian

Obsidian is not a birthstone.

Obsidian is not an anniversary gemstone.

Obsidian is often used for gaining clear insight into problems.

 
More Obsidian Lore

Sharp shards of obsidian were formed into arrowheads.

In ancient times, obsidian was made into mirrors.

What is the most stubborn stone?
Obsidian.

Pictures/Products Care & Where Books
Birthstones Anniversary Lore Jokes
All Gemstone Information Main Birthstone Page