Snowflake Obsidian Correctly Known as a Mineraloid

Snowflake obsidian tumbled stones, distinctive and wonderfully tactile. The random snowflake-like markings are spherulite inclusions which are radiating, needle-like crystalline fibres that occur in certain igneous rocks. Generally seen in those which are 'glassy' or have a vitreous lustre, a cavity or crystal of the mineral quartz or feldspar. can usually be found at the centre of each spherulite.

Obsidian is naturally occurring volcanic glass produced by magma that has erupted onto the earth's surface and cooled so rapidly that crystals didn't have time to grow. For this reason the stone lacks any significant internal crystalline structure so is correctly known as a mineraloid not a mineral. Other examples of mineraloids include pearl, shungite, amber, jet and moldavite.

The presence of inclusions and impurities within obsidian cause different types of sheen, markings and colours. Although black obsidian tends to be the best known, other varieties include snowflake, red or brown, mahogany, rainbow and sheen obsidian amongst others.

In crystal healing snowflake obsidian is considered to be a stone of purity which provides balance for the mind, body and spirit. It helps with the recognition and release of wrong thinking as well as with stressful mental patterns. As a healing crystal it's calming and soothing and can put the user in the right frame of mind to be receptive for bringing to the surface ingrained patterns of behaviour. It also teaches one to value mistakes as well as success.

Our snowflake obsidian healing crystals range in size from small to medium, approximate weights and sizes are given below but as with all tumbled stones, no two pieces are the same. It should be remembered that obsidian is natural glass so must be handled carefully.

Empathic warrior crystals are stones which have at some point in time sustained some kind of damage, usually a chip or fracture. With rocks and minerals having evolved over millions of years we do not believe in throwing stones away because of minor damage so instead offer them for sale at a significantly reduced price. Empathic warrior crystals are not always available and should this be the case, a refund will be issued before remaining items in the order are processed. For more information read our article on empathic warrior crystals.