mineraloid (man-made)
Green Glass Slag
Amorphous Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with metal oxide impurities
Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs); Color: Translucent emerald green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.4-2.8
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Translucent emerald green
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs); Color: Translucent emerald green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.4-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed as a byproduct of industrial smelting or glass manufacturing processes where silica is melted and cooled rapidly; typically modern or industrial age; found in industrial dumping sites or landscaping piles
Uses & applications
Used primarily for decorative landscaping, filler in construction, artistic glass projects, and as 'aquarium rock' or low-cost jewelry beads
Geological facts
While it resembles obsidian or emerald, it is a byproduct of human industry. It often contains trapped air bubbles which do not occur in natural obsidian. Deep green color is usually achieved through the addition of iron or chromium oxides during production.
Field identification & locations
Identify by looking for conchoidal (shell-like) fractures, lack of crystal faces, and spherical air bubbles. Common in regions with a history of iron/steel production or glass factories. Collectors should beware of it being mislabeled as natural green obsidian.
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