Golden Peacock Obsidian
Volcanic glass (~70-75% SiO2) with magnetite nanoparticle layers
A natural sheen obsidian showing a warm gold shimmer plus peacock iridescence, caused by aligned nanoparticle layers within black glass.
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Color
- Black body with golden sheen and peacock iridescence
- Type
- igneous
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Overview
Golden Peacock Obsidian is a trade name for sheen obsidian that displays a warm gold sheen together with patches of peacock iridescence (greens, blues, purples). The stone is black volcanic glass, and these effects are optical, appearing on the polished surface when tilted to the light.
It is a natural material rather than dyed glass, combining gold-sheen obsidian with rainbow-style iridescence. The "peacock" name reflects the multicolored flashes that accompany the golden glow.
It is admired for its rich, metallic, color-shifting appearance.
Formation & geology
Golden sheen obsidian forms when felsic lava cools rapidly to glass while suspending aligned layers of nanoscale magnetite particles and minute gas inclusions. The particular spacing and orientation of these layers reflect a warm golden sheen, and subtle variations add peacock-colored interference.
As with all sheen obsidian, the effect is structural color and is only revealed when the rough is cut parallel to the nanoparticle layering. Mexico is a particularly well-known source of gold-sheen material, along with parts of the western United States.
How to identify it
Sheen: Warm gold shimmer across the surface, with shifting peacock blue-green-purple flashes; body remains black.
Luster: Vitreous; conchoidal fracture.
Hardness: ~5-6.
Streak: White (grayish).
Look-alikes: Goldstone (manufactured copper-fleck glass) sparkles uniformly with tiny flat flecks, not a sweeping sheen. Pyrite is metallic and crystalline. Golden peacock obsidian is black glass with an orientation-dependent sheen and conchoidal fracture.
Uses & significance
Golden Peacock Obsidian is cut into cabochons, spheres, beads, pendants, and carvings, with lapidaries orienting the rough to capture the gold and peacock effects. Strong, even gold sheen with added color is especially valued.
Metaphysically it is associated with confidence, abundance, and protection, claims from folklore rather than science. Its true appeal is the natural optical sheen, making good pieces collectible and popular for statement jewelry.
Frequently asked questions
Is golden peacock obsidian natural?
Yes. The gold and peacock colors are natural optical effects from nanoparticle layers, not added dye.
What makes the gold sheen?
Aligned layers of magnetite nanoparticles and gas inclusions reflect a warm golden structural color.
Is it the same as goldstone?
No. Goldstone is manufactured glass with copper flecks; golden sheen obsidian is natural glass with a sweeping sheen.
Why does the sheen only show at certain angles?
It is an orientation-dependent surface effect, requiring correct cutting and tilting to appear.
Golden Peacock Obsidian guides
In-depth guides for identifying, valuing, and understanding Golden Peacock Obsidian.
Golden Peacock Obsidian identified by the community
Real specimens identified with Rock Identifier.
