Cherry Obsidian
Silica glass (~70-75% SiO2), colored variety
A vivid cherry-red glass sold as obsidian; the bright transparent red color is manufactured, as natural obsidian only shows dull red-brown mahogany tones.
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Color
- Bright cherry red to pinkish red, often translucent
- Type
- igneous
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Overview
Cherry Obsidian is a translucent, bright red glass widely sold in the tumble and bead trade. True obsidian can show reddish hues only as mahogany obsidian, where iron oxidation tints the glass dull brownish-red, never the clear cherry or candy red seen in this product.
Material labeled "cherry obsidian" is essentially always manufactured glass colored with selenium, gold, or copper compounds. It is sometimes called obsidianite or art glass.
It is inexpensive and decorative, but should not be confused with natural volcanic glass.
Formation & geology
Genuine obsidian forms by rapid quenching of viscous rhyolitic lava, freezing it into glass before crystals can nucleate. Iron-rich varieties can oxidize to produce the muted reds and browns of true mahogany obsidian.
Cherry-colored material is instead made industrially: silica is melted with fluxes and red-producing colorants (selenium and cadmium sulfoselenide, or gold/copper for ruby glass), then cooled to a homogeneous glass. The brilliance and transparency of the red are hallmarks of this controlled, furnace-based process rather than any volcanic setting.
How to identify it
Color: Uniform bright cherry to ruby red, commonly translucent.
Luster: Bright vitreous; smooth conchoidal (shell-like) fracture.
Hardness: ~5-6.
Streak: White.
Look-alikes: Natural mahogany obsidian is dull brownish-red and opaque with black streaks; carnelian and red jasper are stony and waxy, not glassy. The clearest sign that cherry obsidian is glass is the candy-bright transparency plus internal bubbles and swirl lines under a loupe.
Uses & significance
Cherry Obsidian is used for decorative tumbled stones, beads, cabochons, spheres, and small carvings. Its rich color makes it a popular budget material for costume jewelry and crystal collections.
Metaphysical sellers associate it with vitality, motivation, and root/sacral energy, but these are traditional beliefs rather than verified properties. As a glass product it has no industrial or fine-gemstone value.
Collectors wanting natural red-toned volcanic glass should seek genuine mahogany obsidian instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is cherry obsidian real obsidian?
No. It is manufactured colored glass. Natural obsidian's only reddish form is dull mahogany obsidian.
What makes it red?
Added colorants such as selenium, cadmium, or gold compounds used to make ruby/red art glass.
How do I spot the glass?
Look for bright transparency, gas bubbles, and swirl banding under magnification, none of which occur in natural stone.
Is it valuable?
It is inexpensive decorative glass with no gemstone value.
Cherry Obsidian guides
In-depth guides for identifying, valuing, and understanding Cherry Obsidian.
