How Much is Obsidian Worth

Obsidian is very affordable in sizes ranging from 1 -10 grams and the cost per gram is between $1.00 to $5.00 per gram. Mahogany and rainbow seem to be the most popular among rock and mineral enthusiasts.

There are quite a few varieties of obsidian and all of them are popular among collectors. Extremely large stones don’t necessarily bring a higher price per gram because you can’t do anything with a 100-gram+ carved or cabbed stone.

 

 

How to determine value and cost

When determining the value of the gemstone you will be using GIA guidelines which means color, clarity, carat weight, and cut.  You’ll want to look at each one of these individually and then circle back when finished to evaluate the stone as a whole. If you need help identifying obsidian then go here first.

Color is going to be the most important factor when determining the value of gemstones.  Clarity and carat weight are tied for the second most important factor.  When valuing amethyst you’ll need to know that Siberian amethyst is the most sought after with amethyst sourced from Uruguay a close second.

 

Color – The more intense the color the more valuable the stone is.  When dealing with warm colors, think of red and orange, you’ll want to determine if there are brown undertones.  If you can’t see brown undertones then the color should be very vibrant.  The more vibrant and saturated the color the more expensive the gemstone.  If the gemstone has a unique “neon-like glow” then it will demand the highest price per carat.

Patterns are going to be more important when considering the value of obsidian and its varieties. Clean and clear patterns with little to no imperfections will bring the highest price per gram.

 

Clarity – Buyers and collectors prefer stones with no internal inclusions visible to the eye. Obsidian can exhibit internal feathers that breach the external surface. This material can be found in large quantities and sizes. This means imperfections will bring down the value by a considerable amount.

If you can visibly see the inclusion while holding the gemstone then the highest designation would be SI1 and if the inclusion detracts from the overall beauty of the stone then the clarity designation would be I1 – I3.

Clarity designations – FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2, I3

 

 

Carat – Obsidian can be found in sizes ranging from below 1 gram to above 10 pounds.  Generally speaking, obsidian can be sourced in any weight. The larger the stone doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worth more money per carat due to rarity.

 

Cut – It is sad to say but cut has the least impact on value and cost unless it affects the stone in an extreme way.  For example, when you look at the stone you would be able to see through it which means light is not being reflected back to the eye.  This is called a window in the stone and it would have to be quite large to impact the price.  The other extreme would occur when you look at a stone and see a rough circle or oval shape inside the stone.  This occurs when the stone is very shallow and it’s reflecting the rough girdle inside the stone.  Note: the girdle is the edge/side of the stone where the pavilion and crown meet.

Most obsidian is in cabochon form which means you’ll be inspecting the uniformity and the external polish on the stone. You want to see a stone with good orientation and a high polish.

 

 

Obsidian Varieties by Value

Snowflake Obsidian price per gram = $1.00 – $5.00

• Large sizes are common
• Mostly found in inexpensive jewelry
• Cabochons and tumbled stones are the most common
• Spheres, pyramids, and carvings

 

Mahogany Obsidian price per gram = $1.00 – $5.00

• Common in all sizes
• Mostly found in inexpensive jewelry
• Cabochons and tumbled stones are the most common
• Spheres, pyramids, and carvings

 

Sheen Obsidian price per gram = $1.00 – $5.00

• Common in all sizes
• Mostly found in inexpensive jewelry
• Cabochons and tumbled stones are the most common
• Spheres, pyramids, and carvings

 

Apache Tears price per gram = $1.00 – $4.00

• A handful of known deposits
• Fairly common at rock and minerals shows
• Raw nodules, nodules on matrix, and tumbled

 

Rainbow Obsidian = $1.00 – $5.00

• Common in all sizes
• Mostly found in inexpensive jewelry
• Cabochons and tumbled stones are the most common
• Spheres, pyramids, and carvings

 

 

How valuable is obsidian?

Obsidian has never brought a higher dollar per gram because of its abundance. There are stones selling for higher prices because of their unique shape or carved pattern. If you’re looking to add obsidian to your collection then you should focus on stones that are unique and make sure you bargain with the seller.

 

 

Values of obsidian will continue to increase

Each year I do research on market prices for obsidian and I can tell you the prices are fairly constant and I don’t see a tone of appreciation in the near future.

If you’re not sure how to value a gemstone then you should consider a gemstone appraisal. Individuals acquiring gemstones through inheritance, estate sales, and auctions typically have the gemstone appraised to determine the value and to ensure the gem is what they think it is.