THIS IS FIRE OBSIDIAN...

Presented here is a sample of true fire obsidian from Little Glass Butte in the high desert of Central Oregon. This is the only known locale where this type of material can be found. Once seen in person, fire obsidian cannot be confused with any other type of stone or obsidian, although the name is sometimes misapplied to other sheen obsidians with flame like patterns of orange or red against smoky coloration. Fire obsidian is unique for the thin bands of color that it contains, which are often intricately patterned and are occasionally extremely vivid and highly reflective.

Fire obsidian is unlike any other phenomenal gem. While its color-play is reminiscent of fossil ammolite or of precious opal, the chemistry behind the color phenomena is inherently different. The color in fire obsidian is produced by light reflecting off of a polarized lattice of sub-micron scale magnetite crystals. This network of micro-crystals is arranged in such a way as to create quantum wave interference of the light, hence emitting colors of different frequencies. While this physical mechanism that causes the color play in fire obsidian is nothing unusual in the realm of color and light, the particular manifestation of color, pattern and brilliance can be found in no other member of the mineral kingdom.

As with any rock or mineral species, not all specimens will embody the same qualities of color, clarity, pattern or aesthetics. Like many gems and minerals, obsidian can be highly transparent to completely opaque. It can be crystal clear, or heavily included with impurities and accessory minerals.  Fire obsidian is no exception to the rule. A slice that may be quite impressive by the flint knapper’s craft might not be suitable for carving into a conventional cabochon, and vice-versa. As with any natural sculpture material, the nature of the rough form dictates what the finished form will be, according to the artisan’s interpretation.

Fire obsidian is considered an ultra-rare gemstone. It was showcased in the January 2006 edition of Rock & Gem magazine. Fire obsidian, perhaps along with some other chatoyant obsidians, is the only true gem-phenomenal rock, since obsidian is considered a rock type and not technically a mineral.  A Google image search for “fire obsidian” can give you a better idea of this material’s potential. Also, see guide on Obsidian Types for more information on this rare and beautiful phenomenal stone. InshaAllah it will be available soon @ permatamurahsokmo.blogspot.com :-)