Strawberry Obsidian
Silica glass (~70-75% SiO2), colored variety
A pink-red glass sold as obsidian, sometimes with metallic flecks; the strawberry color is manufactured rather than a natural volcanic glass tone.
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Color
- Pinkish red to strawberry, often with flecks, translucent
- Type
- igneous
Got a rock like this?
Identify any rock from a photo, free.
Overview
Strawberry Obsidian is a pink-to-red glass, sometimes containing tiny sparkling flecks, marketed within the colored-obsidian range. Natural obsidian does not occur in a bright strawberry pink; its reddish forms are limited to dull mahogany tones.
The material is manufactured glass colored with selenium or gold-based reds, occasionally with added aventurescent (sparkly) inclusions similar to goldstone. It is also encountered as obsidianite or art glass.
It is a low-cost ornamental product valued for its cheerful color rather than mineralogical authenticity.
Formation & geology
True obsidian forms from rapidly cooled high-silica lava at the surfaces of rhyolite flows and domes, producing natural glass.
Strawberry-colored material is produced in a furnace by melting silica with fluxes and red/pink colorants; sparkly versions have copper crystals precipitated within the glass (the same process used to make goldstone). The even pink coloration and controlled inclusions are clear signs of an industrial origin rather than volcanic formation.
How to identify it
Color: Soft to vivid strawberry pink-red, frequently translucent and sometimes glittery.
Luster: Vitreous; conchoidal fracture typical of glass.
Hardness: ~5-6.
Streak: White.
Look-alikes: Rhodonite and rhodochrosite are opaque, pink, and stony; rose quartz is harder (7) and milky. Strawberry obsidian gives itself away through glassy transparency, bubbles, and, in sparkly versions, uniformly sized metallic flecks that natural stone never shows.
Uses & significance
Strawberry Obsidian is used for tumbles, beads, pendants, and spheres in inexpensive jewelry and crystal displays. The sparkly variety is especially popular for its goldstone-like glitter.
In metaphysical retail it is linked to love, the heart, and emotional balance, claims rooted in folklore rather than mineralogy. As manufactured glass it has decorative value only.
Those seeking authentic volcanic glass should consider mahogany or snowflake obsidian instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is strawberry obsidian a natural stone?
No. It is manufactured colored glass; natural obsidian does not occur in strawberry pink.
Why does some of it sparkle?
Sparkly versions contain precipitated copper crystals, the same technique used to make goldstone glass.
Can I tell it apart from rhodonite?
Yes. Rhodonite is opaque and stony; strawberry obsidian is glassy, often translucent, and may show bubbles.
Is it worth much?
It is inexpensive decorative glass with no gemstone value.
Strawberry Obsidian guides
In-depth guides for identifying, valuing, and understanding Strawberry Obsidian.
