Obsidian

Obsidian is a natural volcanic glass formed when viscous lava is rapidly cooled.  Obsidian is less fragile than standard window glass, and was often fashioned into sharp cutting edges by our early ancestors.  Obsidian also comes in several different types including but not limited to: Snowflake, Golden, Rainbow, and Mahogany.  

On the Mohs Hardness Scale, obsidian has a rating of 5 to 5.5

Fake obsidian can often be identified by looking for unnatural, vibrant colors (like bright green, blue, or even purple). 

Authentic obsidian is typically black or smoky gray and may show a natural sheen, while fakes are often made from glass or slag. Key differences to look for include weight (real obsidian is denser), and opacity (real is often opaque, but can be translucent on edges when light hits).  

Note: Obsidian should not be stored in direct sunlight.  

Snowflake Obsidian