Let's Talk About Rainbow Obsidian

We all know about the classic black obsidian (that's old news), but I bet you haven't heard of the gorgeous rainbow obsidian. Even if you have heard of it, keep reading because you're sure to learn something new.

Aside from the standard black colour, obsidian also comes in brown, orange, and red hues, gold and silver sheens, green, yellow, rainbow, and a special pattern known as snowflake obsidian. 

Technically, obsidian isn't a gemstone, but rather a type of natural glass formed by the rapid cooling of lava from volcanoes.

Rainbow obsidians are similar to black obsidians, but full of brilliant colours due to traces of an iron-rich mineral called magnetite. Magnetite nanoparticles get trapped between layers of lava, creating their beautiful iridescence. 

So what affects the large range of prices for obsidian?

Firstly, some obsidian stones and jewelry on the common market are not 100% natural. Secondly, rainbow obsidian especially tends to be more expensive due to its high value and rarity, as the magnetite must align perfectly in the stone to create the unique rainbow pattern. There is high demand for rainbow obsidian because of its unique look and beautiful, milky, vibrant colours. Larger stones are rarer than smaller stones, making them more expensive.

Rainbow obsidians can be further classified as rainbow eye or double rainbow eye varieties. Below are some of the differences that are accounted for when determining value and price. 

Rainbow Eye	Double Rainbow Eye
hazy sheen mixed colours more muted colours rainbow colours visible on one side of the "eye" not as valued as the double variety	clear colours and colour rings vibrant colours rainbow colours visible on both sides of the "eye" highly valued rarer than the single eye variety

All types of rainbow obsidian are unique in terms of colour, ring sizes, overtones, luster, and how vibrant the colours appear. Here at Queen's Gems, we carefully select beads to ensure the quality of colour and luster is the highest we can offer. 

What can rainbow obsidian do for me?

Rainbow obsidian is deeply connected to the root chakra, which helps you feel grounded and able to withstand hardships.

It can be used to help heal a broken heart, provide comfort for someone in grief, and offer love and happiness to someone in need.

Obsidian is believed to protect your emotional and spiritual well-being by absorbing negative energies around you.

If you're experiencing heartbreak, grief, or other overpowering emotions, keeping an obsidian stone in your space or wearing obsidian jewelry can help you overcome it. 

We have a wide selection of obsidian bracelets. Click here to shop!

Sources:

Gem Rock Auctions, Britannica, The Crystal Council, Refinery 29