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Home > Obsidian > 5 Ways to Tell if obsidian is Real

5 Ways to Tell if obsidian is Real

Obsidian is often imitated using materials such as Glass, Slag, and plastic. It is wise to buy from reputable retailers and, if feasible, request a certificate from a gem testing laboratory. Here are some handy tips to help you initially discern the authenticity of obsidian.

1. Check the Color

Real: Real Obsidian typically appears black or smoke grey. Additionally, there's "Sheen Obsidian," which is also black but exhibits sheens of blue, green, or gold.
Fake: Fake Obsidian made from man-made glass and slag are commonly found in vibrant hues like blue, green, aqua, red, purple, yellow, etc. While some man-made glass may seem black at first glance, under strong light, unnatural tones like purple and blue become apparent.

2. Check for Transparency

Real: Real Obsidian usually looks opaque, though some specimens can appear somewhat translucent near the edges when held up to light.
Fake: Completely transparent stones are indicative of fake Obsidian.

3. Search for Gas Bubbles

Real: Real Obsidian can contain gas bubbles, but they are typically extremely small and not easily visible to the naked eye.
Fake: Gas bubbles in man-made glass and slag can be quite large, sometimes even clearly visible to the naked eye, especially in slag.

4. Touch Test

Real: Real Obsidian feels cold to the touch.
Fake: Plastic-made fakes feel warm to the touch.

5. Hardness Test

Real: Real Obsidian can be scratched by a knife with force.
Fake: Fake Obsidian made from plastic can be easily scratched by a knife.
Obsidian
Obsidian
A species of Igneous, also known as Gold Sheen Obsidian, Velvet Obsidian, Peanut Obsidian
Scientific name: Obsidian
RockType: Igneous
Description
Description
Obsidian is a natural glass that forms when molten rock rapidly cools. It is a popular gemstone that is usually black in color and best worn as earrings or pendants due to its softness. It is very sharp when broken, and prehistoric peoples used it for cutting tools. Today it is used in the production of surgical blades.
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