Chip Black Obsidian Gemstone Beads 4x7mm 36 Inch Strand

Description

WANAN Beads Beads & Jewerly Making Supplies Chip Black Obsidian Gemstone Beads 4x7mm 36 Inch Strand Shape: Chip Color: Black Grade: B Moh's Hardness: 5-5.6 Dimension: 4x7mm Hole Approx.: 1mm Quantity: 1 Strand With its glassy luster, obsidian is a distinctive stone. Obsidian is formed as lava from volcanic eruptions cools within the earth. The speed at which it cools prevents crystallization and the rock forms as solid volcanic glass. Although its most common color is black, obsidian can also be found in light brown, brown mottled with black, and black with a beautiful golden or silvery sheen. Snowflake obsidian is dotted with white patches where parts of the rock have begun to crystallize. The most prized obsidian by gemologists is the rainbow obsidian rainbow obsidian variety with purple, green and gold bands of sheen. Obsidian was revered by ancient cultures. It was one of the major barter materials, and prized for its ability to be worked to razor-sharp edges for arrows and spears. It has been used since prehistoric times for making tools, masks, weapons, mirrors and jewelry. Obsidian can be found anywhere that volcanic activity has occurred. Some of its important sources today are South America, Japan, Mexico, Afghanistan, and parts of the United States. The San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona, United States, produces an interesting banded variety of obsidian known as "Apache Tears".