Snowflake Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that features white, snowflake-like patches caused by inclusions of the mineral cristobalite. It is characterized by its smooth, glassy texture and conchoidal fracture, making it a popular material for cabochons and tumbled stones.

Hardness

5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralcommonObsidian family

Snowflake Obsidian

Hardness: 5-5.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this snowflake obsidian?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch snowflake obsidian with a known reference. Snowflake Obsidian sits at Mohs 5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Snowflake Obsidian leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Snowflake Obsidian typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: amorphous. Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

Snowflake Obsidian vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

igneous

Basalt

Mohs 6

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Snowflake Obsidian and dull on Basalt.

Compare →

Often found alongside snowflake obsidian

Minerals reported to co-occur with snowflake obsidian. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Mohs hardness: 5-5.5
Density: 2.35-2.60 g/cm³
Colors: Black White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Amorphous
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Lapidary, Collector, Decorative
Host rock: Volcanic
Typical price: $5-30 per piece

Where rockhounds find snowflake obsidian

1 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

USA
Mexico
Iceland
Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in volcanic country — that is the host setting where snowflake obsidian typically forms. If you start seeing rhyolite, cristobalite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Utah — start trip planning there.

Browse 1 U.S. spots for snowflake obsidian →

Common questions

How do you identify snowflake obsidian?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include black, white.

Where is snowflake obsidian found?+

Notable localities include USA; Mexico; Iceland; Italy.

Can I find snowflake obsidian in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 1 snowflake obsidian rockhounding spots across 1 U.S. states — the top states are Utah.

How much is snowflake obsidian worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-30 per piece. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like snowflake obsidian?+

Snowflake Obsidian is most often confused with Basalt. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with snowflake obsidian?+

Snowflake Obsidian commonly co-occurs with Rhyolite, Cristobalite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does snowflake obsidian form in?+

Snowflake Obsidian typically forms in volcanic. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is snowflake obsidian used for?+

Snowflake Obsidian is used in lapidary, collector, decorative.

Find snowflake obsidian on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.