Is obsidian expensive? Obsidian, also called volcanic glass by some people, is a type of igneous stone that is processed and sold as a gemstone.
The name “volcanic glass” originated from the way this gemstone is formed. It’s formed when the earth releases lava and the cooling process occurs so rapidly that microcrystalline particles don’t get a chance to form correctly.
Unlike other gemstones that have their formation cycle underground that spans millions of years, obsidian is formed above ground within a reasonable time frame. This accounts for why it does not have much semblance to other gemstones.
However, because of its variety of beautiful colors, beauty, usefulness, etc., this gemstone continues to capture the world’s attention.
Given the above facts, people naturally ask: is obsidian expensive? Although obsidian has no set value or market like other gemstones, it is not an expensive gemstone or stone.
A piece of gemstone jewelry can cost between $2 and $100. Of course, like other gemstones, what determines how much your desired piece of obsidian will cost depends on its quality, processing—excellent quality cutting and polishing—the rarity of its color, etc.
How Expensive is Obsidian?
Well, despite this gemstone having the reputation of being one of the most beautiful stones in the world, the good news is that it costs less and is affordable for all income brackets.
As noted before, there is no set market value for obsidian, but a piece of obsidian can cost between $2 and $100. Like with other gemstones, how much your desired piece of obsidian will cost depends on its quality, processing—excellent quality cutting and polishing—the rarity of its color, etc.
The wholesale value of unprocessed obsidian maybe $5 to $10 per kilogram. However, quality-cut and polished obsidian jewelry is valued at a higher price.
Why is Obsidian so Expensive?
Generally speaking, obsidian is not so expensive as to beg the question: why is obsidian so expensive? But it’s not cheap either.
Don’t get us wrong. The point we are trying to make here is that this precious stone, although affordable, is not cheaper than amethyst, black tourmaline, citrine, and agate, all of which are considered affordable crystals. Pieces of obsidian, as is the case with other semi-precious stones, are generally cheap and affordable.
In a nutshell, alongside amethyst, black tourmaline, citrine, and agate, the prices of obsidian pieces fall at the lower-priced end of the spectrum of semi-precious stones.
Most Expensive Obsidian
The truth is that there are many types of obsidian out there. However, some are much more valuable than others, given that they are in a league of their own.
In particular, one both in appearance and in expense tops this list.
The variety of obsidian that is the rarest and most valuable is called fire obsidian. This exceptionally rare form of obsidian displays rainbow colors when it’s displayed at the correct angle.
These colors are usually quite bold and intense, but the obsidian retains a black appearance from most angles. Previously, high-quality rainbow sheen obsidian was the priciest of the various varieties available, but even the best didn’t demand anywhere near the price of fire obsidian.
This optical phenomenon is comparable to labradorite but with more intense colors in many cases. In the best of cases, they can compete with precious opal and other high-end stones.
Well, one may be wondering what makes fire obsidian rare and expensive. From what we have said above, the answer to this question can be unraveled.
However, to save you the stress of looking up this answer, we will briefly highlight these qualities. Fire obsidian, which has its inside light up like a neon rainbow, is rare. This material is rare and primarily found in one place in Oregon.
Again, the cutting of fire obsidian is the most difficult, requiring a high level of expertise and caution to cut properly. Also, the roughness of this stunning obsidian is often impossible to find at any price.
Finished stones can often be found, as well as cabochons and the occasional specimen with a polished face to display the optical phenomenon.
Is Black Obsidian Expensive?
The answers are no and yes. Pieces of obsidian are generally not expensive. They are one of the most affordable gemstones out there.
But is black obsidian expensive? Yes is the answer in a relative sense. Compared to other types of obsidian, the price of black obsidian is relatively high.
Large pieces of black obsidian can cost hundreds of dollars. This is not the most valuable gemstone, but it’s more valuable than some.
As we have noted before, a small piece of real obsidian can range from $2-$100 depending on the quality, carat, and processing it underwent. Black obsidian happens to be one of the pieces of obsidian that relatively attracts higher prices due to its higher quality and polishing, which increase its value.
Also, what adds more to the value of black obsidian is its spiritual relevance or significance. People use black obsidian for protection and cleansing of their energetic spaces, to attract good luck and wealth, and to reduce or remove psychic fog in their auras.
However, it must be noted, unfortunately, that there are so many fakes of black obsidian on the market. To tell the fake from the real, this simple check on them may be helpful.
True black obsidian will be dense and heavy while fakes will be light, like the weight of glass, probably because it is man-made glass.
How Much is Real Obsidian Worth?
From what we have said so far, one thing is clear: real obsidian pieces are relatively inexpensive. They are not as expensive as other gemstones such as gold, silver, diamonds, topaz, emeralds, etc.
They are generally cheap and affordable, generally costing, depending on the processing they underwent and quality, between $2 and $100 approximately.
You can purchase it from local stores or from online also. The cost-increasing factors for obsidian are polishing and quality of cutting.
More rare, obsidian gemstones have more value. The cost is more, especially in auctions. You can purchase the unprocessed obsidian at a wholesale price of $5 to $10 per kg.
The bottom line is that real obsidian gemstones are relatively inexpensive. These stones are in the category of semi-precious stones, and as it’s common with most stones in this category, their prices are always pocket-friendly for all income brackets.
Why is Obsidian Special?
Obsidian gemstones are special to various people for varying reasons. For lovers of jewelry who love adding to their styles with a variety of matching gemstones, obsidian stones are especially unique due to their smooth, glossy texture, which makes them very popular as a raw material used to make beautiful jewelry.
These stones make beautiful jewelry, from reflective beads to interesting gemstones, which hold a lot of interest for jewelry lovers.
To the scientists, these stones possess a set of unique properties that never cease to hold their attention and wow them. To them, these stones serve as the ideal cutting tool.
Their discovered unique properties still make them an ideal material to make surgical scalpels that have cutting edges that are thinner and sharper than the best surgical steel.
To the geologists, these stones are unique because of their formation and features, which make them a fascinating spectacle to the geologists. Obsidian is unique due to its smooth, uniform volcanic glass texture.
Obsidian is usually considered an extrusive rock because it usually solidifies above the Earth’s surface where the edges of a lava flow come into contact with cool air or water.
Which is More Expensive: Onyx or Obsidian?
Onyx and obsidian, especially black obsidian and black obsidian, are commonly seen more and more in fashion-forward and even luxury collections, with beautiful options for rings, bracelets, and necklaces.
Both stones share some features, the chief of which is that both are commonly seen in black hues. Despite this, the two stones have different features which are more pronounced in their prices or costs.
Between onyx and obsidian, onyx is typically more expensive. The factors responsible for this lie in the following features of onyx: it has a higher hardness and toughness rating than obsidian.
It’s nearly always opaque as opposed to obsidian, which ranges from transparent to opaque. It’s much heavier than obsidian and it is a mineral with a crystal structure, meaning that it is formed underground, whereas Obsidian is volcanic glass, meaning it’s formed above ground.
Is Obsidian More Expensive than Gold?
The simple answer to this question is a big No. Though obsidian stones come in a variety of colors, one of which is gold-colored, obsidian stones have less value than gold and equally cost less than gold.
Onyx has a higher hardness and toughness rating than obsidian.
Gold, a precious gemstone known for its bright yellow appearance, distinguishing it from other precious metals and its incorrigible and rustic quality, can cost $1,500 per ounce.
Obsidian stones, on the other hand, although they have no set value or market like other gemstones, are not expensive gemstones or stones. A piece of gemstone jewelry can cost between $2 and $100.
Of course, like other gemstones, what determines how much your desired piece of obsidian will cost depends on its quality, processing—excellent quality cutting and polishing—the rarity of its color, etc.
The bottom line is that gold is very expensive, probably the most expensive useful precious gemstone, while obsidian pieces, being semi-precious stones, are cheap and affordable. While gold is the shining embodiment of wealth, obsidian stones are affordable to almost all classes of people.
What is the Rarest Type of Obsidian?
The rarest type of obsidian is fire obsidian. Both in appearance and price, fire obsidian is in a league of its own.
This exceptionally rare form of obsidian displays rainbow colors when it’s displayed at the correct angle. These colors are usually quite bold and intense, but the obsidian retains a black appearance from most angles.
It’s inside lights up like a neon rainbow, which makes it extremely rare. This material is rare and primarily found in one place in Oregon. The cutting of fire obsidian is the most difficult, requiring a high level of expertise and caution to cut properly.
Equally, the roughness of this stunning obsidian is often impossible to find at any price. All these add to its rarity and value, making it the most expensive type of obsidian.
Is Natural Obsidian Expensive?
Obsidian pieces are relatively inexpensive. So, no. Whether natural or not, these stones are affordable, costing between $2 and $100.
Unprocessed obsidian costs between $5 and $10 per kg at wholesale. As we have noted before several times, like other gemstones, what determines how much your desired piece of obsidian, natural, synthetic, or whatever, will cost depends on its quality, processing— excellent quality cutting and polishing— the rarity of its color, etc.
However, unlike natural obsidian, synthetic obsidians are made of pure glass and have no value. To tell artificial obsidian from natural ones, they are created using a heat process. They are also very clear like glass with no inclusions in them and have identical shapes, all of which are lacking in or opposite of natural obsidian.
Conclusion
One take-home from what we have said so far is that although obsidian pieces are precious gemstones formed above ground, they are relatively affordable and cheap.
Thus, the question which readily forms in the mouths of obsidian lovers: is obsidian expensive? is answered in the negative.
