RocksdayObsidian vs Snowflake Obsidian
To tell Obsidian from Snowflake Obsidian: Snowflake obsidian is the same glass with white cristobalite spots.
Natural volcanic glass, formed when silica-rich lava cools so fast that crystals have no time to grow.
Photo: Ji-Elle It feels nice and warm It feels like a love storm, CC BY-SA 3.0
Black obsidian sprinkled with white patches of cristobalite that grew as tiny spherulites in the glass.
Photo: Mike Davis, CC0
Key differences
- Snowflake obsidian is the same glass with white cristobalite spots.
- Plain obsidian lacks the white cristobalite spots.
Side by side
| Property | Obsidian | Snowflake Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Igneous rock | Igneous rock |
| Mohs hardness | 5–5.5 | 5–5.5 |
| Luster | Glassy | Glassy |
| Colors | Black, Brown, Red | Black, White, Gray |
| Crystal system / structure | Glassy | Volcanic glass with cristobalite spherulites |
| Specific gravity | 2.35–2.6 | 2.35–2.6 |
| Found in | Glass Buttes, Oregon; Yellowstone, Wyoming | Millard County, Utah; Mexico |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify obsidian
- Shiny, glass-like and usually black.
- Curved, shell-shaped (conchoidal) fractures with razor-sharp edges.
- Thin edges are translucent brown or gray.
- May show white 'snowflakes' or a gold/rainbow sheen.
Structure: Glassy
Full Obsidian guide →How to identify snowflake obsidian
- Glassy black with snowflake-like white spots.
- Curved, sharp fracture. Thin edges are translucent.
- Softer than quartz — a steel file scratches it.
Structure: Volcanic glass with cristobalite spherulites
Full Snowflake Obsidian guide →More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between obsidian and snowflake obsidian?
Obsidian is an igneous rock with a Mohs hardness of about 5–5.5 and a glassy luster, usually black, brown or red. Snowflake Obsidian is an igneous rock with a Mohs hardness of about 5–5.5 and a glassy luster, usually black, white or gray.
How can you tell obsidian from snowflake obsidian?
Snowflake obsidian is the same glass with white cristobalite spots. Plain obsidian lacks the white cristobalite spots.
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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