Color:  Black with bands of dark reds (mahogany obsidian) or white flakes (snowflake obsidian).  Rarely has been reported in green in California.  A multi-colored obsidian containing purples and reds called Fire Obsidian has been found in Oregon and California.

Texture:  Very fine grain

Luster: Glassy / vitreous

Translucency: Opaque to highly translucent

Silica Fabrics / Fossils: None

Patina:

Heat Treatment:  Heat treatment is not used on obsidian

Knapping: 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution Comments:

Obsidian is formed by volcanic activity so it is found throughout western North America in areas formed by volcanic activity.  Obsidian is not found in eastern North America, but is commonly traded into that area.  It has been reported that Obsidian was found in it's natural state in Georgia.