Everything you need to know about Green Obsidian
Green obsidian is a rare stone, so adding one to your collection is going to cost you. However, it is difficult to predict the exact price of this rock considering the fact that prices tend to fluctuate drastically and may vary from one seller to the other.
Naturally, pure obsidian rock has a dark appearance. So when you see obsidian gemstones in other colors, it is caused by the presence of impurities. This is what gave rise to rocks like green obsidian-a naturally mesmerizing gemstone used for jewelry, meditation, and metaphysical purposes. Here’s everything you need to know about this gemstone if you’re considering adding it to your jewelry collection or for any other purpose.
What is Green Obsidian and where does it come from?
Green obsidian is a type of volcanic glass that is prized for its beautiful green color. It is formed when lava cools quickly, forming a hard glassy rock. Obsidian is relatively rare, and green obsidian is even more rare.
It is found primarily in the western United States, in areas that have experienced recent volcanic activity. Although it is technically a rock, obsidian has a vitreous, or glass-like, texture. It can be polished to a high shine and is often used in jewelry and other decorative items. Green obsidian gets its name from its green color, which is caused by the presence of iron oxide in the glass. The iron oxide gives the obsidian a deep green hue that is similar to emerald.
Is Green Obsidian Natural?
Most forms of green obsidian gemstones are formed naturally. However, there are certain lookalikes or imitation rocks created using glass and green dye. These are fakes of course, but they are quite common since naturally occurring green obsidian is rare and expensive.
The most popular type of fake Green obsidian is called Slag glass (Green type). Keep reading to find out how to tell the difference between Green obsidian and slag glass.
How can you tell the difference between Obsidian and Slag glass?
If you're interested in rocks, you might be wondering about the difference between slag and obsidian. They can look similar, but there are some key ways to tell them apart.
Slag glass is an industrial waste product found in metal foundries where metals are made. The color of the slag glass differs depending on the contentration of left-over metals in the glass. At first glance, obsidian actually looks a lot like Slag glass.
The difference here is that the Obsidian is naturally formed as a result of impurities like iron and magnesium at the point of formation of the rock. Whilst Slag glass is more like an accidental waste product. It's interesting to note that both products can be used for decorative purposes. For example, slag glasses are often used in jewelrymaking while obsidian can be used to create sculptures or other ornamental objects.
Slag typically has opaque edges, while obsidian is usually black. You might also find round bubbles in slag, and it can sometimes have gravel embedded in it. If you slice slag thinly, it may be translucent, while obsidian will not be.
Another easy way to tell the difference is to think back to the location where you found your rock. If it was found embedded/stuck in naturally forming ground, then it's likely to be the real obsidian. If you are in an area that absolutely has no historical volcanoes, then chances are the rock you found is likely to be slag glass and not obsidian.
Remember, there are only a handful of natural green obsidian deposits in the world.
Green Obsidian Price
Green obsidian is a rare stone, so adding one to your collection is going to cost you. However, it is difficult to predict the exact price of this rock considering the fact that prices tend to fluctuate drastically and may vary from one seller to the other. The source of the stone and where it is being sold can also influence the price. Generally, you can expect to pay between $35 to $70 for a relatively small size of green obsidian. Palm-sized pieces of this rock cost roughly $50 and above. Green obsidian becomes even more expensive once it is set into jewelry. It can cost as much as $200 to get a green obsidian ring.
What Is A Green Obsidian Crystal Used For?
Green obsidian is a versatile stone that can be used for rings, necklaces, and beads. Green obsidian rings have become quite popular in recent times, with many people starting to prefer them over diamonds on wedding rings. Most green obsidian wedding rings are made from Tibetan green obsidian.
This rock is rare and of collectible quality. Hence, rings like this can become quite valuable as heirlooms several decades later. Since the stone is also commonly associated with energy, wearing a green obsidian ring serves as a reminder of the stone’s healing energy.
Green obsidian necklaces are also quite popular. Wearing the rock this way allows it to sit close to the heart which is considered the energy center of the body. Wearing your green obsidian rock on the upper part of your body also helps to send the energetic vibration and positive aura throughout your entire body.
Beads can also be made out of tumbled green obsidian rock. They are more affordable compared to other types of green obsidian jewelry. Green obsidian beads are not quite common and you may have to make your own pieces if you intend to use the rock this way.
Wearing green obsidian beads around your wrist or ankles is a great way to absorb the healing properties of the stone into your body.
Green Obsidian Metaphysical Properties
Almost all forms of obsidian rock including regular black obsidian are believed to have metaphysical properties. The green color of green obsidian is often associated with green-ray energy which is usually linked to the upper chakras. It is believed that keeping a green obsidian gem near you can help clear out any blockages you might be experiencing in your spiritual journey.
Being a high-energy rock also means green obsidian can protect you from any form of negative energy.
Green Obsidian is also considered an earth-oriented stone. If you often experience a hard time connecting with nature, these crystals can help clear your energy and ground you better.
The rock is also considered a truth enhancer and can help heal your body from physical or mental stress. These green stones also have emotional healing capabilities. Wearing one often can help balance your feelings and thoughts. This will help you keep a hold of your emotions better.
Where is Green Obsidian Found? (Countries)
Green obsidian is often found in minor deposits in some countries of the world. Some of the most notable sources of this green rock include:
Brazil: Brazil is known to host various shades of obsidian including the green type. Green obsidian is often mined from the volcanic mines in the country where the abundance of the necessary mineral impurities contributed to the formation of the rock.
Mexico: The Hidalgo Obsidian mine in Mexico is considered the home of the majority of Obsidian rocks in circulation today. If your rock is sourced from Mexico, it is most likely natural since there are usually no man-made green obsidian manufacturing processes in Mexico. Crystals from Mexico are also more expensive than those from other parts of the world.
Oregon[USA]: In Oregon, the Glass Buttes region hosts one of the largest obsidian deposits around. The volcanic terrain holds different types of obsidian rocks in generous quantities. Recently, more green obsidian rocks have been discovered in the region. They’re different stones from other regions because of their muggy hue and clay-like appearance.
Does Green Obsidian Have Bubbles?
Naturally formed green obsidian does not have bubbles in it on visual inspection. However, some bubbles may be detected on microscopic inspection. If you’re presented with a so-called green obsidian gem with obvious bubbles in it it is most likely a man-made fake.
However, you should note that the absence of bubbles does not conclusively prove that your green obsidian gem is real. Some glass slags may not have bubbles as well. Hence, other factors should be considered to determine the authenticity of the rock as well. Usually, you should ask questions about the origin of the rock. Provenance is a good way to determine the realness of rock since green obsidian is only found in a handful of places and rocks from different places typically have different distinct qualities.
Obsidian is very close to man-made glass both in terms of appearance and composition. Hence, it can be difficult to tell them apart. It is always better to purchase your obsidian rock from a reputable dealer to avoid being sold a fake polished piece of man-made glass.
Is Green Obsidian Worth Anything?
Unlike gold or silver, there is no set market value for obsidian. However, because they’re rare and precious, obsidian indeed has some value. It is not an expensive stone, but it can fetch between $2 to $100 depending on the quality of the gem and how much it has been processed among other factors.
Ancient Maya Civilisation LOVED Green Obsidian
The ancient Mayans held green obsidian in high regard, incorporating it into their daily lives and rituals as a symbol of strength and protection. Check out check out our NEW post on the topic.
