STONE LIBRARY

Black Obsidian

Typical Origin Mexico, the United States, Iceland, Italy, Armenia and Japan
Material Type Natural Glass
View Black Obsidian Specimens
Black Obsidian

MATERIAL OVERVIEW

The Material

Black Obsidian is a natural volcanic glass formed by the rapid cooling of silica-rich volcanic melt. It is typically black to very dark grey and may show subtle flow structure or natural variation under strong light.

Polishing can produce a smooth, highly reflective glass-like surface with strong contrast in carved details. As a natural glass, it should be protected from hard impacts and sharp edge damage.

VISIBLE CHARACTER

Finished Material Character

See how natural banding, colour variation, and surface character remain visible after carving and polishing.

Black Obsidian
Banding in the Finished Form
Black Obsidian
Colour and Surface Variation

MATERIAL NOTES

Reference

Material Type
Natural Glass
Typical Origin
Mexico, the United States, Iceland, Italy, Armenia and Japan
Natural Variation
Expected from piece to piece

MATERIAL JOURNAL

Learn More About Black Obsidian

Continue with a deeper note on the material, its visible character, and what to look for in a finished carving.

Obsidienne | Pierre de protection et de clarté ancrée
READ THE MATERIAL NOTE

Obsidienne | Pierre de protection et de clarté ancrée

Black obsidian is natural volcanic glass. Learn how it forms, how it behaves in carving, what collectors should examine, and how to care for it.

Read Article

IN THE COLLECTION

Black Obsidian Specimens

Explore current works carved from this material.

View All Black Obsidian Specimens