Rainbow Obsidian Freeform 4in
A sculptural rainbow obsidian freeform weighing 360 grams and standing approximately 4 inches tall. The polished surface reveals sweeping bands of iridescent purple, green, and gold that shift and move as the viewing angle changes — the signature optical effect that makes rainbow obsidian one of the most sought-after varieties of volcanic glass. The deep black body absorbs light while the rainbow sheen layers float just beneath the surface, creating extraordinary depth.
Rainbow obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass found almost exclusively in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, near the town of Magdalena. The iridescent color bands are caused by microscopic inclusions of nanoparticles of hedenbergite (a pyroxene mineral) oriented in thin layers during the rapid cooling of silica-rich lava. Each layer acts as a diffraction grating, splitting light into its component wavelengths — the same principle behind the colors in a soap bubble. The specific colors visible depend on the thickness and spacing of these inclusion layers, making every specimen optically unique.
- Weight: 360g
- Height: Approximately 4 inches
- Origin: Magdalena, Jalisco, Mexico
- Mineral: Rainbow obsidian (volcanic glass with hedenbergite nanoparticle inclusions)
- Form: Polished freeform
Description
A sculptural rainbow obsidian freeform weighing 360 grams and standing approximately 4 inches tall. The polished surface reveals sweeping bands of iridescent purple, green, and gold that shift and move as the viewing angle changes — the signature optical effect that makes rainbow obsidian one of the most sought-after varieties of volcanic glass. The deep black body absorbs light while the rainbow sheen layers float just beneath the surface, creating extraordinary depth.
Rainbow obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass found almost exclusively in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, near the town of Magdalena. The iridescent color bands are caused by microscopic inclusions of nanoparticles of hedenbergite (a pyroxene mineral) oriented in thin layers during the rapid cooling of silica-rich lava. Each layer acts as a diffraction grating, splitting light into its component wavelengths — the same principle behind the colors in a soap bubble. The specific colors visible depend on the thickness and spacing of these inclusion layers, making every specimen optically unique.
- Weight: 360g
- Height: Approximately 4 inches
- Origin: Magdalena, Jalisco, Mexico
- Mineral: Rainbow obsidian (volcanic glass with hedenbergite nanoparticle inclusions)
- Form: Polished freeform
