Comparison · Igneous Rocks
Obsidian vs Snowflake Obsidian
Obsidian and Snowflake Obsidian are easy to confuse because both are igneous rocks. Both sit near Mohs 5.5, 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 Obsidian and Snowflake Obsidian
- Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Obsidian is translucent, Snowflake Obsidian is opaque.
- They overlap in black, but Obsidian also comes in brown, green, and multicolored and Snowflake Obsidian also comes in white.
Obsidian vs Snowflake Obsidian properties
| Property | Obsidian | Snowflake Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Igneous Rocks | Igneous Rocks |
| Mohs hardness | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 2.4 | 2.4 |
| Crystal system | amorphous | — |
| Common colors | Black, Brown, Green, Rainbow | Black, Black and white |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$100+ | $3–$120+ |
Which is more valuable?
Snowflake Obsidian is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $25 against $20 for Obsidian, and premium Snowflake Obsidian can reach $120 or more.
About Obsidian
Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed from rapidly cooled lava. Its sharp edges made it invaluable for ancient tools and weapons.
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.
Obsidian vs Snowflake Obsidian FAQ
Is Obsidian 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 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Obsidian from Snowflake Obsidian?
Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Obsidian is translucent, Snowflake Obsidian is opaque. They overlap in black, but Obsidian also comes in brown, green, and multicolored and Snowflake Obsidian also comes in white.
Which is harder, Obsidian or Snowflake Obsidian?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 5.5.
Which is more valuable, Obsidian or Snowflake Obsidian?
Snowflake Obsidian is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $25 against $20 for Obsidian, and premium Snowflake Obsidian can reach $120 or more.
