Description
At first glance, rainbow obsidian looks like glossy black glass—but turn it in the light, and hidden bands of green, gold and purple appear.
Formed from rapidly cooled volcanic lava, obsidian is a natural glass made mostly of silica (the same primary component as quartz). In rainbow obsidian, microscopic layers of inclusions scatter light, creating its signature iridescent glow.
The most sought-after pieces reveal distinct “eye” patterns or concentric heart-like shapes—brought out by skilled lapidaries who align the cut with those internal layers to reveal the rainbow effect.
Found in volcanic regions like Mexico and the western United States, it has long been valued for both its beauty and its connection to the earth’s raw, transformative forces.
Have you seen rainbow obsidian before?
Videos courtesy of @rocksforthespirit