Volcanic glass
Obsidian
Material record
Dense, dark, and reflective, obsidian gives a bracelet a sharper outline and stronger definition.
- Original family
- Volcanic glass
- Browse family
- Volcanic Glass
- Colors
- Black
- Archive notes
- Depth
Visual character
Usually opaque to nearly opaque black with a glassy surface. Depending on the specimen, subtle brown tones, sheen, or tiny inclusions may become visible under strong light.
From raw to bead
Freshly broken obsidian can have sharp, irregular conchoidal fractures. Shaping and polishing a bead round those edges and emphasize its smooth, reflective glassy surface.
Origin & geology
Obsidian is natural volcanic glass formed when silica-rich lava cools too quickly for a fully crystalline mineral structure to develop. It is a rock-like glass rather than a mineral species.
Key notes
- Strength
- Contrast
- Focus
Pairings
Rose Quartzsoftens the intensity
Moonstoneadds cool light
Gold detailswarms the dark finish
Care & wear
Clean gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth and avoid knocks against harder gems. Do not soak a finished bracelet; follow the care needs of the complete Veil Loom composition.
Curator note
Obsidian is most effective in small measures. It gives structure to softer palettes and makes lighter stones feel more intentional.
Seen in finished pieces
