If you’ve ever picked up a black stone flecked with soft gray “snow,” you already know why snowflake obsidian stops people in their tracks.

It looks like winter was captured in glass. Below is a plain-spoken guide to what it is, how it forms, what it costs, the jewelry it suits, and how to dodge the fakes—without the fluff.

What snowflake obsidian actually is

Snowflake obsidian isn’t painted, printed, or dyed. It’s a natural volcanic glass.

The pale “flakes” are tiny clusters of cristobalite crystals that grow inside the glass as it ages.

Gem people call those clusters spherulites. They radiate out like frosty fireworks and give each stone its one-of-a-kind pattern.

• Hardness: about 5–5.5 on the Mohs scale (softer than quartz)
• Look: glossy black with gray-white snowflakes; every stone is different
• Where it’s found: notably the U.S. (Oregon, Utah), Mexico, Italy, Iceland

How nature makes it

Start with silica-rich lava that cools faster than crystals can form—boom, you get glass (obsidian).

Over time, small parts of that glass quietly crystallize into cristobalite. Those pale patches spread in round bursts and freeze in place. That’s your snowfall.

Is the stuff being sold online real?

Often yes. Snowflake obsidian is common enough that you’ll find plenty of genuine pieces at friendly prices. That said, popular stones invite imitators. Watch for:

• Painted dots on glass that scratch off or sit on top of the surface
• Resin/plastic with a lightweight feel or tiny bubbles inside
• Dyed agate or jasper with suspiciously even speckles

If the pattern repeats like wrapping paper or looks too perfect, it probably is.

What kind of jewelry suits it best?

Because it’s neutral and graphic, snowflake obsidian behaves like a fashion basic—it works with almost anything.

If you enjoy a small pre-wear ritual, pairing your piece with a quiet moment of incense cones sets a calm tone without overpowering the stone.

• Beaded bracelets/necklaces: round beads or slim heishi for everyday wear
• Cabochon pendants: large ovals or teardrops look striking in silver
• Rings & earrings: bold cabs for statement pieces; small studs for easy daily use
• Inlay & men’s accessories: cufflinks, bolo ties, and knife or watch inlays

One note: at 5–5.5 hardness, it can scuff. Rings that see hard knocks need gentler treatment than pendants.

Prices: affordable, with room to splurge

You don’t need a collector’s budget to buy good snowflake obsidian.

• Tumbled stones / small cabs: $3–$15
• Bracelets (6–10 mm beads): $10–$60 depending on bead size and polish
• Sterling silver pendants: $30–$150
• Designer or large gold pieces: $150–$500+
• Museum-grade carvings or large, crisp specimens: can pass $1,000

What pushes price up? Clean polish, crisp well-spaced “flakes,” larger sizes, and quality metalwork.

Buying tips (so you get the good stuff)

1. Study the pattern. Real stones show random, layered snowflakes, not uniform polka dots.
2. Check the surface. The snowflakes should be inside the stone—no paint edges, no decals.
3. Ask basic questions. Where was it sourced? Is this the exact piece in the photo? Can I return it?
4. Mind the metal. Sterling or gold settings cost more but wear better.
5. Trust your hand. Real stone feels cool and solid; plastic feels… like plastic.

Can I shower with snowflake obsidian?

A quick splash won’t hurt it, but don’t make a habit of showering with it. Heat, soaps, and shampoo can dull the polish, and hard knocks in the shower aren’t great for a glassy stone.

Take it off for swimming (chlorine/salt) and cleaning. To wash, use lukewarm water and a soft cloth; skip ultrasonic/steam.

How to spot fakes without a lab

Real snowflake obsidian

• Random, natural flakes with soft edges and depth
• Glassy surface; sometimes faint flow lines from the lava
• Cool, stone-like weight
• Under magnification, crystalline “bursts,” not dots

Fake or altered

• Repeating patterns; dots that sit on top or scratch off
• Bubbles (resin) or overly lightweight feel
• Vague answers from the seller and prices that seem impossibly low

Final take

Snowflake obsidian is very much real—and that’s the charm. It’s the drama of a night sky in a friendly-priced stone: bold enough for a statement pendant, easy enough for a simple bracelet.

Buy from people who will answer questions, choose a pattern that speaks to you, and treat it kindly.

Do that, and this little piece of volcanic weather will look good for years. If you want more no-fluff guides like this, dip into our blog for practical reads you can use right away.