Starry night obsidian
Starry Night Obsidian: Firecracker and Flower Obsidian
Starry night obsidian, also known as firecracker obsidian or flower obsidian, is a unique and captivating variety of volcanic glass. It features an intriguing combination of deep black obsidian adorned with splashes of coral, cream, pink, and white snowflake-like patterns. This gemstone’s natural beauty has made it a popular choice for jewelry and ornamental items.
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Obsidian: A Natural Volcanic Glass
Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that forms as an extrusive igneous rock. It is produced when felsic lava, which is rich in silica, cools rapidly after being extruded from a volcano, resulting in minimal crystal growth. Obsidian is commonly found in the margins of rhyolitic lava flows, where the high silica content creates a highly viscous lava that forms natural glass upon cooling.
This rapid cooling process inhibits atomic diffusion, preventing the formation of crystals. As a result, obsidian is a hard, brittle, and amorphous material that fractures with sharp edges. In the past, its sharpness made it a valuable material for manufacturing cutting and piercing tools, and today, it is sometimes used experimentally as surgical scalpel blades.
Starry Night Obsidian from Mexico
Starry night obsidian is primarily sourced from Mexico, where it is mined for its unique appearance and vibrant inclusions. The distinct color variations and patterns make each piece of starry night obsidian truly one of a kind, often appearing like a starry sky filled with colorful nebulae.
Properties of Starry Night Obsidian
Obsidian forms from rapidly cooled lava, which is the parent material. It can form extrusively when felsic lava cools quickly at the edges of a lava flow or volcanic dome, or when lava cools suddenly upon contact with water or air. Intrusive obsidian formation occurs when felsic lava cools along the edges of a dike.
Though obsidian is glass-like, it is not considered a true mineral because it lacks a crystalline structure and has a composition that is too variable. Instead, it is classified as a mineraloid. While obsidian is typically dark in color, similar to mafic rocks such as basalt, it is actually felsic in composition. It consists primarily of silicon dioxide, often making up 70% or more of its composition. Crystalline rocks with similar compositions include granite and rhyolite.
Obsidian is metastable at the Earth’s surface, meaning it gradually transforms into fine-grained mineral crystals over time. This transformation is accelerated by the presence of water. Although newly-formed obsidian contains less than 1% water by weight, it becomes increasingly hydrated when exposed to groundwater, eventually forming perlite. Notably, no obsidian older than the Cretaceous period has been discovered, as it does not remain intact for extended geological periods.
Exploring Starry Night Obsidian Under the Microscope
The beauty of starry night obsidian becomes even more apparent when viewed under a microscope. The intricate patterns and inclusions that give the stone its distinct appearance reveal a mesmerizing interplay of colors and textures, reminiscent of a starry night sky.
Natural Starry Night Obsidian for Sale in Our Shop
At our shop, we offer custom-made jewelry featuring starry night obsidian, including engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, and pendants. Each piece is designed to highlight the unique beauty of this fascinating gemstone. If you are interested in owning a piece of starry night obsidian, please contact us for a quote. Our skilled artisans will work with you to create a bespoke piece that captures the allure of this natural volcanic glass.
