Rainbow Obsidian
A variety of Obsidian
Uncommon
What is Rainbow Obsidian?
Rainbow Obsidian is a trade name for the black variety of obsidian that shows lustrous, rainbow-like layers when highly polished and exposed to bright light. The material can be carved and nicely polished; it's commonly cut into beads, cabochons, hearts, spheres, and other objects.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.450-1.550
- Pleochroism
- None
- Optical Character
- Isotropic
- Dispersion
- 0.01
Rainbow Obsidian Market Value Calculator
Estimate the market value of Rainbow Obsidian using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.
Rainbow Obsidian Localities Map
See where Rainbow Obsidian is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Map preview
North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Physical Toxicity: 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.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Black, brown, iridescent
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5 - 5.5
- Density
- 2.35 - 2.6 g/cm³
- Streak
- Rainbow Colors
- Luster
- Vitreous
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- SiO2
- Elements
- Si, O
Also Known As
Rainbow ObsidianIris Obsidian
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