How to Identify Real Obsidian: Key Tips to Spot Fake Obsidian
Learn how to tell real Obsidian from fake using texture, color, translucency, and hardness tests in this quick guide.
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To identify real Obsidian from fake, look for a few key characteristics. Genuine Obsidian has a glassy texture and can appear black, dark green, or brown under the light. It often has a slightly translucent edge when held up to a light source. Real Obsidian is also cool to the touch and doesn’t scratch easily. If you're still unsure, consider conducting a scratch test: genuine Obsidian is harder than glass but softer than quartz.
FAQs & Answers
- What is the best way to tell if Obsidian is real? Check for a glassy texture, natural coloration (black, dark green, or brown), and a slightly translucent edge when held to light. A scratch test can also help, since real Obsidian is harder than glass but softer than quartz.
- Can fake Obsidian scratch glass? No, genuine Obsidian is harder than glass and can scratch it, so if your specimen does not scratch glass, it may be fake or altered.
- What colors does real Obsidian come in? Real Obsidian typically appears black, dark green, or brown, often with a glassy sheen and slightly translucent edges under light.