From Utah's West Desert
 
A large chunk of Utah Snowflake Obsidian - The best gem quality obsidian you can get!
 
(Note: the "reddish tint" in the photo is just a reflection from the metal surface of the scale. It's really pure black (except for the snowflakes). Thanks to my friend "Tyler" for pointing this out to me.)
 
Obsidian is naturally occurring glass formed when the right kind of lava cools rapidly so there is no time for crystal growth. Because there is no crystal structure, blade edges are extremely sharp and it has been used historically for cutting edges and even today for surgical scalpel blades.

Obsidian is always dark and a lot is pure black. (If you want pure black, send me a message!) "Snowflakes" are white crystals in the black glass that formed under later heat and pressure.

Some of the finest snowflake obsidian comes from volcanic activity in the Black Rock region of Utah's West Desert. The quality of the rock there has made it a favorite place to find gem quality obsidian for over half a century. Half a century ago is when my dad collected this piece -- back when it was a lot easier to find.

If you only order this item, the shipping is a big part of the cost. But if you send me a message telling me what you want, you can save money by combining several items into a "custom order". Or, you can just order several listed items.