Collection: Obsidian

Obsidian is natural volcanic glass. It forms when silica-rich lava cools so quickly that crystals do not have time to grow, and it breaks with very sharp, curved edges.

Varieties and Trade Names

Black obsidian is the classic form. Snowflake obsidian has grey-white patches that look like snowflakes. Silver sheen obsidian has a silvery shimmer from tiny gas bubbles, and gold sheen, rainbow and mahogany obsidian show other colours and effects. Apache tears are small rounded nodules of obsidian.

Bright blue, green and other vivid colours sold as obsidian are usually man-made glass. Our Blue Obsidian is glass.

PureTrade Gems supplies wholesale obsidian to UK shops, market traders and other trade buyers.