Brown Snowflake Obsidian
A variety of Obsidian
What is Brown Snowflake Obsidian?
A variety of volcanic glass, Brown Snowflake Obsidian is a type of jasper that has been melted by exposure to geothermal heat. Like other forms of Snowflake Obsidian, it is adorned with snowflake or star-shaped patterns that are actually cross-sections of spherical quartz clusters inside the obsidian. The quartz, which grows in needle shapes, is known is Cristobalite.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.450-1.550
- Pleochroism
- None
- Optical Character
- Isotropic
- Dispersion
- 0.01
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Brown Snowflake Obsidian before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Where to Find Brown Snowflake Obsidian
Brown Snowflake Obsidian is a variety of Obsidian. RockHoundR, the free-to-download rockhounding map from the Ruby Glint team, shows where collectors find obsidian in the US, with land-access notes for BLM land and national forests. Collecting is banned in national parks.
See where to find obsidianAlways check the local rules and get the landowner's permission before you collect.
Key Characteristics
Composition of Brown Snowflake Obsidian
Obsidian, Cristobalite
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Brown Snowflake Obsidian in powdered form can be toxic due to its Crystalline Silica content.
- ⚠️Quartz, silica, crystalline silica and flint are non-toxic materials, but very fine dust containing quartz, known as respirable crystalline silicon (RCS), can cause serious and fatal lung disease. Lapidaries should exercise caution when cutting silica.
- ⚠️Brown Snowflake Obsidian is typically non-toxic unless it's in powder form. Long-term exposure to finely ground powder may lead to silicosis. Therefore, when cutting or polishing brown Snowflake Obsidian, be sure to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling its dust.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5 - 5.5
- Rock tumbling
- With care
- Density
- 2.33 - 2.6 g/cm³
- Luster
- Vitreous
Also Known As
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Brown Snowflake Obsidian FAQs
How do I identify Brown Snowflake Obsidian?
Brown Snowflake Obsidian can be identified by its hardness of 5 - 5.5 on the Mohs scale, Vitreous luster. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
How hard is Brown Snowflake Obsidian?
Brown Snowflake Obsidian has a hardness of 5 - 5.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the composition of brown snowflake obsidian of Brown Snowflake Obsidian?
Obsidian, Cristobalite