![]() ![]() Miriam believes the stones she has are from Glass Buttes, Oregon. These ancient volcanic hills are known to have a variety of obsidian, including: mahogany, red, flame, midnight lace, jet black, pumpkin, brown, rainbow, gold sheen, silver sheen, green, lizard skin, snowflake and more. It has a similar composition to granite and rhyolite. ![]() It also occurs where magma has a high silica content. In the United States, it is found on the West Coast, an area with high levels of tectonic activity. Snowflake Obsidian is found in many areas of the world where volcanic activity has taken place.At this point, the formation of the crystals has caused it to lose its glassiness, but it maintains it smooth glossy surface. ![]() As quartz crystals form, they can have the appearance of snowflakes, and the rock becomes known as Snowflake Obsidian. Volcanic glass forms when felsic lava from a volcano rapidly cools down with very minimum crystal growth. The term “felsic”refers to the high content of quartz-laden feldspar minerals in the lava. In this process, called devitrification, the silica molecules rearrange themselves into crystal patterns.Facts about Obsidian: Technically, Obsidian is a Tectonic ( Volcanic) Jasper-meaning it forms through volcanic activity. The composition of Obsidian can change over time, just as any type of rock changes over a long period of time. Over the years, there has been much interest in the processes that formed the "snowflakes," which mark the transformation of volcanic glass into true rock.Others thinkit is a cornerstone to contemplation, and brings self-evaluation and revelation. Metaphysical essence: Snowflake Obsidian is believed by some to balance the mind and body, with properties that protect against chaotic or unstable situations. The name comes from the Obsius, a Roman who is credited with discovering a similar stone in Ethiopia. Obsidian stones are naturally strong and highly polished. The gray and creamy white snowflakes are called Phenocrysts, large sphere-like particles of needle-shaped Cristobalite (a type of quartz), which resemble snowflakes. Because of its hardness, Obsidian is believed to have been used during the Stone Age to form weapons. Geologists called the stones Tectonic (Volcanic) Jasper. The stones have been in Miriam’s Private Collection since around 2008, when she started to collect them. Probably not the description the Aztecs used when wearing jewelry made from Obsidian, or using their Macuahuitle, or Aztec War Club-a fearsome weapon consisting of several Obsidian blades on a wooden handle. Although Black Snowflake Obsidian and Red Mexican Snowflake Obsidian are relatively easier to find, Miriam particularly likes the “Chocolate” variety- It’s warm brown colorations looks like a rich hot chocolate swirled with melting marshmallow snowflakes. ![]() The snowflake pattern is a lovely blend of gray and creamy-white on a soft, sometimes smokey brown background. Brown Snowflake Obsidian is often referred to as Coffee or Chocolate Snowflake Obsidian, or Brown Snowflake Jasper. ![]()
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