M MineralystRock & Mineral Guide
Rock

Obsidian

Obsidian — reference photo

Obsidian is a rock with the chemical formula SiO2. It has a Mohs hardness of 5.5 – 6 on the Mohs scale and vitreous to glassy luster.

Obsidian properties

TypeRock
Chemical formulaSiO2
Mohs hardness5.5 – 6 on the Mohs scale
LusterVitreous to glassy
Typical colorsBlack, brown, green, red, and can exhibit patterns (e.g., snowflake, rainbow)
FormationForms when molten lava cools rapidly without crystallization
Rarity4 / 10

Mohs hardness 5.5–6 — fairly hard

1 · Talc5 · Apatite10 · Diamond
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