Description
Snowflake Obsidian Faceted Pendulum – Natural Volcanic Glass Mineral Specimen
This listing features a genuine Snowflake Obsidian faceted pendulum, crafted from naturally occurring volcanic glass and shaped into a polished pendulum form. The stone displays the distinctive grey-white “snowflake” patterns that contrast against the deep black obsidian background, making it a visually striking mineral specimen.
The pendulum has been carefully shaped with multiple polished facets, allowing the natural patterning of the stone to be clearly visible from different angles. The photographs in the listing show the exact specimen you will receive, providing a clear view of the mineral patterns, polish quality, and faceted shape before purchase.
This crystal includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming that the specimen is genuine natural stone. Full sizing details can be seen in the listing photographs.
Mineral Identification and Geological Classification
Snowflake Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass, formed when silica-rich lava cools extremely rapidly, preventing the formation of a regular crystalline mineral structure. Because of this rapid cooling process, obsidian is classified as a natural glass rather than a crystalline mineral.
The material is primarily composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) along with small amounts of other elements such as magnesium, iron, and trace minerals derived from the volcanic magma.
Snowflake Obsidian develops when small crystalline inclusions of cristobalite, a high-temperature form of silica, form within the black volcanic glass. These radial crystalline inclusions produce the pale grey or white “snowflake” patterns that give the stone its name.
Key material properties include:
-
Material type: Natural volcanic glass
-
Primary composition: Silicon dioxide (SiO₂)
-
Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline)
-
Hardness: Approximately 5–5.5 on the Mohs scale
-
Lustre: Vitreous glass-like surface
-
Transparency: Opaque with contrasting crystalline inclusions
The combination of black glass and cristobalite inclusions creates the distinctive snowflake appearance.
Volcanic Formation Process
Obsidian forms during explosive volcanic eruptions or lava flows when molten lava rich in silica cools extremely quickly at or near the Earth’s surface. The rapid cooling prevents the orderly growth of mineral crystals, resulting in a natural glass structure.
Snowflake Obsidian forms when cristobalite crystals slowly develop within the glass over time as the volcanic material undergoes gradual internal changes after solidification. These cristobalite clusters appear as soft grey or white radial patterns within the darker glass matrix.
Volcanic environments capable of producing obsidian include regions with rhyolitic lava flows, which are highly silica-rich and capable of forming glassy volcanic rock when cooled rapidly.
Faceted Pendulum Shape and Lapidary Work
This Snowflake Obsidian specimen has been shaped into a faceted pendulum form, a common lapidary style that highlights the stone’s natural patterns while creating a balanced geometric appearance. The facets are polished to a smooth reflective finish, allowing the contrast between the black volcanic glass and white cristobalite inclusions to stand out clearly.
The pendulum shape typically features:
-
A pointed or tapered lower end
-
Multiple polished facets around the body
-
Smooth symmetrical shaping for balanced movement
This shaping process enhances the stone’s natural visual characteristics while preserving the original volcanic material.
Colour Patterns and Natural Inclusions
Snowflake Obsidian is easily recognised by its distinctive grey-white crystalline inclusions set within the deep black glass matrix. These patterns occur naturally and vary from specimen to specimen depending on the distribution of cristobalite crystals within the volcanic glass.
Typical visual characteristics include:
-
Jet black glassy base colour
-
Soft grey or white snowflake patterns
-
Radial crystalline inclusions
-
Smooth polished surfaces with reflective lustre
Each specimen develops its own unique distribution of snowflake patterns, making every piece visually distinctive.
Collecting and Decorative Context
Snowflake Obsidian is widely appreciated by mineral collectors and geology enthusiasts due to its volcanic origin and distinctive patterning. The contrast between the dark glass and pale crystalline inclusions creates a visually recognisable stone that stands out in mineral collections.
Faceted pendulum specimens are often displayed in mineral cabinets or used as decorative stone objects. The polished facets highlight the natural patterns of the volcanic glass while giving the piece a refined appearance suitable for display.
Collectors value Snowflake Obsidian specimens for:
-
Their volcanic geological origin
-
Unique cristobalite inclusion patterns
-
Distinctive black and white contrast
-
Smooth polished surfaces that reveal natural mineral textures
Cultural and Traditional Context
In some modern crystal collecting traditions, Snowflake Obsidian is traditionally associated with balance and reflection, and pendulum-shaped stones are sometimes included in decorative or spiritual environments. These interpretations reflect cultural traditions rather than scientifically established material properties.
Authenticity and Specimen Details
-
Genuine Snowflake Obsidian volcanic glass specimen
-
Faceted pendulum shape with polished finish
-
Natural black glass with cristobalite snowflake inclusions
-
Carefully selected mineral specimen
-
Exact item shown in listing photographs
-
Full sizing reference visible in images
-
Includes Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card
Each Snowflake Obsidian specimen forms naturally through volcanic geological processes, producing individual patterns and mineral inclusions that make every piece unique.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.