Snowflake Obsidian
Natural Volcanic Glass
Stone of purity and balance — finds light within darkness.
- Balance
- Purity
- Calm
- Clarity
- Transition
- Inner Peace
Snowflake obsidian is black volcanic glass decorated with white snowflake-like patterns of cristobalite — a type of silica crystal that forms as the obsidian cools and begins to partially crystallise. The contrast of white on black creates a stone of remarkable beauty that symbolises finding light within darkness and the balance between opposites.
- Healing
- Depression, Isolation, Loneliness, Negative Patterns, Transition
- Everyday uses
- Decorative gemstone used in jewellery, particularly cabochons where the snowflake patterns are showcased. Used in Feng Shui to bring balance and calm to a space. Carved into spheres, eggs, and animal figurines due to the decorative contrast of black and white. Archaeological material — obsidian was used for cutting tools by ancient peoples in the same volcanic regions.
- Spiritual meaning
- Snowflake obsidian is the stone of purity, balance, and finding light within darkness — making it particularly valuable for those suffering from depression. It helps recognise and release negative thought patterns while providing spiritual support to replace them with clarity and peace. It is gentler than black obsidian, ideal for those beginning their healing journey.
- Formation
- Snowflake obsidian forms from the same volcanic glass as regular obsidian — rapidly cooled lava. After formation, spherical clusters of cristobalite crystallise within the glass as it slowly devitrifies over time. These white spherical clusters create the distinctive snowflake patterns that make each stone unique.
- Where it is found
- Found near volcanic regions: USA (Utah, California, Oregon), Mexico, Iceland, Turkey, and New Zealand. The most commercially significant deposits are in the western United States, particularly Utah.
- Zodiac
- Virgo, Capricorn, Scorpio
- Chinese element
- Ox, Snake, Rabbit, Tiger