Comparison · Igneous Rocks
Larvikite vs Snowflake Obsidian
Larvikite and Snowflake Obsidian are easy to confuse because both are igneous rocks. Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Larvikite and Snowflake Obsidian
- Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Larvikite leaves a white to light gray streak on unglazed porcelain, Snowflake Obsidian leaves white.
- They overlap in black and white, but Larvikite also comes in gray and blue.
Larvikite vs Snowflake Obsidian properties
| Property | Larvikite | Snowflake Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Igneous Rocks | Igneous Rocks |
| Mohs hardness | 6 | 5.5 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White to light gray | White |
| Transparency | opaque | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 2.75 | 2.4 |
| Crystal system | varies | — |
| Common colors | Dark gray, Blue gray, Black, Silver blue, White | Black, Black and white |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$300+ | $3–$120+ |
Which is more valuable?
Larvikite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $40 against $25 for Snowflake Obsidian, and premium Larvikite can reach $300 or more.
About Larvikite
Larvikite is a feldspar-rich igneous rock famous for blue-silver flashes from feldspar crystals. It is often sold as decorative stone and can be confused with labradorite-bearing rocks.
About Snowflake Obsidian
Snowflake obsidian is a black volcanic glass marked by gray-white spherulitic patches that resemble snowflakes. The pale clusters are crystals of cristobalite that grew as the originally glassy rock slowly began to crystallize.
Larvikite vs Snowflake Obsidian FAQ
Is Larvikite the same as Snowflake Obsidian?
No. Both are igneous rocks, but they are distinct rock types with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Larvikite from Snowflake Obsidian?
Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Larvikite leaves a white to light gray streak on unglazed porcelain, Snowflake Obsidian leaves white. They overlap in black and white, but Larvikite also comes in gray and blue.
Which is harder, Larvikite or Snowflake Obsidian?
Larvikite is harder: Mohs 6 against Mohs 5.5 for Snowflake Obsidian.
Which is more valuable, Larvikite or Snowflake Obsidian?
Larvikite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $40 against $25 for Snowflake Obsidian, and premium Larvikite can reach $300 or more.
