Where is Snowflake Obsidian found?

Snowflake Obsidian occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.

Where to find Snowflake Obsidian

Collecting tips

1. Look in Volcanic Regions. Snowflake Obsidian is found in areas of recent or geologically young rhyolitic volcanic activity. Search near lava flows, volcanic domes, and ashfall deposits.
2. Examine Outcrops and Stream Beds. Look for dark, glassy fragments in outcrops or eroded pieces in stream beds and alluvial fans downstream from volcanic sources.
3. Check for Conchoidal Fracture. Obsidian, including Snowflake Obsidian, will break with a characteristic conchoidal (shell-like) fracture, producing sharp edges.
4. Identify White Inclusions. The key identifying feature is the presence of white to grayish-white 'snowflake' patterns (cristobalite spherulites) within the dark glass.
5. Safety Precautions. Obsidian produces extremely sharp edges when fractured. Handle with care to avoid cuts. Wear appropriate gloves and eye protection when breaking or collecting samples. While the silica in cristobalite is crystalline, the primary hazard from obsidian is physical injury from sharp edges, not typically respirable crystalline silica unless finely powdered, which is not a common exposure for collectors.

Quick Check

Color:

Black with white 'snowflakes'

Luster:

Vitreous (glassy)

Streak:

White (due to the fine powder of the cristobalite spherulites, though obsidian itself has no streak)

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