Obsidian is one of the most popular stones used in jewelry today. But amid its prominence, how much is obsidian worth? Is it considered cheap or expensive in the crystal industry? And most importantly, is the value worth your money?
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How Much Does Obsidian Cost?
There is no set market value for obsidian today. However, you can find its price ranging from $2 to $100.
Like most gemstones, the cost of obsidian depends on the processing it goes through.
The wholesale value of unprocessed obsidian may cost $5 to $10 per kilogram. However, a quality cut and polished obsidian jewelry are valued at a higher price.
But given the price, does this make obsidian cheap or expensive compared to other crystals?
Is Obsidian Cheap or Expensive?
In general, obsidian is not an expensive gemstone. But it isn’t cheap, either.
The price of obsidian is similar to that of amethyst, black tourmaline, citrine, and agate, all of which are considered affordable crystals. Compared to other semi-precious stones, obsidian falls in the lower-priced end of the spectrum.
That makes obsidian one of the most affordable gems you can find in the market today.
Is Obsidian Rare?
Obsidian can be found in many regions of the world, including the United States, Australia, Mexico, Japan, Iceland, Ecuador, and Brazil. Hence, it is not considered rare.
This black stone can be mined in many places due to the nature of how it is formed.
The thing is, obsidian is actually a volcanic glass that’s formed from molten lava. Unlike other gems that take millions of years to crystalize beneath the earth, obsidian is made from lava that has cooled quickly above ground.
Since it’s formed from cooled lava, obsidian can be found where volcanic activity occurs. That’s why it is produced in many areas of the world.
How Valuable is Obsidian?
As mentioned above, obsidian is not a cheap stone considering the value for its cost.
Although it’s a medium-hard rock being volcanic glass, it is sought-after in the jewelry-making industry for its metaphysical properties.
Obsidian is widely famed for its protective energy. Many use it to defend themselves from psychic attacks and harmful energies. Carrying this stone also helps absorb the negativity that you may be facing every day.
Aside from protection, this black stone is also used in healing too. Some people wear it to cleanse the psychic smog that’s clouding their energy fields. This smog is caused by traumatic or stressful experiences from the past which can inflict toxic emotions on people.
Is Obsidian Worth Your Money?
Now that you know how much is obsidian worth, you may be wondering: “Is it worth your money?”
The answer is yes.
While obsidian is less durable than other crystals, its metaphysical properties make this gem a valuable addition to your jewelry collection. Its glass-like appearance also makes the stone a stunning piece to wear every day.
With proper care, your obsidian jewelry can protect you from negativity for a long time. Hence, it is definitely worth your money.
Types of Obsidian
While this volcanic glass is best known for its deep black color, you can also find different types of obsidian. Depending on their color, obsidian stones can be categorized into the following variants:
- Snowflake obsidian – consists of white or grey splotches on the surface of the black stone. The splotches resemble snowflakes, hence the name.
- Rainbow obsidian – known for a band of colors that appear when exposed to bright light.
- Mahogany obsidian – features an earth-ish reddish-brown appearance that looks like mahogany.
- Sheen obsidian –reflects lustrous colors like the rainbow obsidian. However, instead of rainbow colors, it reveals a golden or silver sheen.
- Apache tears – obsidian variant with rougher and less glassy appearance. Also called obsidianate.
- Black obsidian – a pure obsidian stone without trace elements or inclusions, thus, the jet-black color. The most common type of obsidian.
How to Tell Real Obsidian
If you’re looking to buy a real obsidian bracelet, be careful. You might find artificial versions of the stone that are made of pure glass.
Fake obsidian is manufactured in green, blue, and red colors passing off as a natural stone. And they worth nothing.
When buying the stone, real obsidian is harder than glass.
Onyx Vs Obsidian Value
Onyx is another black stone that is often confused with obsidian.
While both are great stones, onyx and obsidian offer different benefits to their wearer. Black obsidian has more intense energy in it while onyx is known for its stable vibrations. Although both are considered protective gems, onyx is more commonly used as a support stone.
When it comes to hardness, onyx is also more durable than obsidian stone. This makes onyx jewelry less prone to chips and damages compared to its counterpart.
In terms of price, the onyx stone is more expensive than obsidian. The cost of onyx can go up to $500.
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