Freeform golden obsidian cabochon, 28×13×5 mm. The golden sheen that runs across its surface is an optical phenomenon of gas inclusions trapped during the cooling of volcanic glass, not a dye or treatment.
Item details
| Mineral |
Golden obsidian (volcanic glass with golden sheen) |
| Dimensions |
28×13×5 mm |
| Shape and back |
Irregular freeform, flat back |
| Finish |
Mirror polish |
| Hardness |
5–5.5 Mohs — we recommend a closed bezel setting to protect the edges and preserve the polish |
| Origin |
Mexico |
| Treatment |
No treatment |
| Item type |
Unique piece |
This specific piece
The golden sheen of this cabochon is not uniform: it appears and disappears depending on the angle of light, concentrating in a central band that runs the length of the piece. In direct light, the gold dominates; in diffuse light, the black background absorbs almost all clarity and the piece gains depth. This changing effect is what makes golden obsidian interesting for jewelry oriented towards movement.
How the golden sheen forms
Golden obsidian (gold sheen obsidian) owes its sheen to the trapping of micro-bubbles of gas during the rapid cooling of acidic lava. These bubbles, flat and oriented in parallel layers, act as a natural interferometer: they scatter light according to the angle of incidence, producing the golden band visible to the naked eye. The phenomenon is intrinsic to the glass and cannot be reproduced with subsequent treatments.
What setting it works for
-
Closed bezel setting in 925 silver — obsidian with a hardness of 5–5.5 needs edge protection. The dark bezel of oxidized silver contrasts with the black of the stone and accentuates the central golden sheen.
-
Vertical pendants with bail setting — the elongated shape 28×13 mm fits well in a vertical axis pendant. A bail at the top allows it to be hung without drilling the stone.
-
Wire wrap — the freeform shape facilitates organic wire wrap. Wrapping with fine silver wire adds metallic shine that dialogues well with the golden sheen of the mineral.
Obsidian in lapidary tradition
Obsidian has been used by humans since the Paleolithic as a cutting material. Mesoamerican civilizations like the Aztec considered it sacred and carved it into ritual mirrors (obsidian mirrors or "tezcatl") for divination. Obsidian mirrors from the State of Hidalgo reached Europe in the 16th century with the conquistadors and fascinated Renaissance artisans.
In crystal tradition, obsidian is associated with protection and introspection. The golden variety, with its duality of black and gold, is specifically related to revealing what is hidden beneath the surface.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice or a substitute for professional care.
How to recognize genuine golden obsidian
Genuine golden obsidian has the golden sheen inside the glass, not on the surface: when the piece is tilted, the sheen moves from within like a wave. A coated or tinted crystal would have the sheen fixed on the surface. The characteristic conchoidal fracture of volcanic glass (sharp edges like broken glass) is visible in unpolished areas.
Frequently asked questions
Where does this obsidian come from?
Lapidary quality golden obsidian comes mainly from Mexico, from the state of Hidalgo. The material was acquired in a wholesale lapidary market; the piece does not include an independent certificate of origin.
What setting do you recommend for this piece?
We recommend a closed bezel setting in 925 silver. Obsidian's Mohs hardness of 5–5.5 makes it susceptible to scratching by harder materials; the bezel protects the edges and stabilizes the piece. The jeweler chooses the technique according to the design.
Is the golden sheen a treatment?
No. The golden sheen is intrinsic to volcanic glass: it comes from layers of micro-bubbles of gas trapped during solidification. No treatment, no coating, no tinting.
More obsidians and volcanic minerals in our cabochons collection.
