Tangerine Obsidian
Volcanic glass (SiO2-based)
A vivid orange glass sold as obsidian; uniformly bright tangerine material is typically manufactured glass rather than natural volcanic obsidian.
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Color
- Bright translucent tangerine-orange
- Type
- igneous
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Overview
Tangerine Obsidian is a trade name for vivid, translucent orange glass marketed as obsidian. As with mint and other bright "colored obsidians," a clean, uniform tangerine tone is almost always a sign of manufactured glass rather than natural volcanic obsidian.
Natural obsidian can show brown, mahogany, or reddish tones from iron oxide inclusions (as in mahogany obsidian), but those are typically streaky and dark, not an even bright orange. Pure tangerine coloring usually comes from metal oxides added during glassmaking.
The material is sold for its cheerful color in beads, spheres, and tumbled pieces; buyers should regard it as decorative glass unless natural origin is documented.
Formation & geology
Genuine obsidian forms from rapidly chilled rhyolitic lava that freezes into glass; natural warm colors come from dispersed iron oxides (hematite/limonite), producing the streaky reds and browns of mahogany and brown obsidian.
Uniform bright tangerine glass is instead made by melting silica with fluxes and adding colorants and opacifiers to achieve a strong orange, then cooling it to glass.
Thus most "tangerine obsidian" lacks a natural geological locality and is an artisanal or industrial glass product.
How to identify it
Treat bright, evenly colored tangerine "obsidian" with caution. Manufactured glass usually shows highly uniform color, rounded internal bubbles, swirl or pour marks, and sometimes mold seams.
Natural warm-toned obsidian (mahogany/brown) is darker, streaky, and combined with black, with natural flow lines and unworked surfaces. Both share vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, hardness about 5-6, and white streak, so color uniformity and bubbles are decisive.
A flawless, glowing, consistent orange with internal bubbles strongly indicates man-made glass.
Uses & significance
Tangerine Obsidian (glass) is used for vibrant beads, pendants, tumbled stones, and ornamental spheres. Its bold color makes it popular for inexpensive decorative jewelry.
Beyond that it has no industrial significance distinct from other colored glass.
In metaphysical sales it may be linked to the sacral chakra and energy/creativity because of its orange color, but as a typically manufactured material these are marketing associations; honest dealers disclose the glass origin.
Frequently asked questions
Is tangerine obsidian a natural stone?
Usually not. Bright, uniform orange "obsidian" is generally manufactured glass; natural obsidian's warm tones are darker, streaky browns and reds.
What natural obsidian looks orange or red?
Mahogany and brown obsidian show reddish-brown streaks from iron oxide inclusions, but they are darker and mixed with black, not even tangerine.
How do I spot man-made tangerine obsidian?
Very even bright color, internal bubbles, swirl or pour marks, and mold seams all point to manufactured glass.
Can I still use it in jewelry?
Yes, as attractive colored glass; it should simply be sold and understood as glass rather than a natural gemstone.
Tangerine Obsidian guides
In-depth guides for identifying, valuing, and understanding Tangerine Obsidian.
Tangerine Obsidian identified by the community
Real specimens identified with Rock Identifier.
