Mexican Velvet Obsidian – Rare Old Stock Obsidian with Flashy Velvet Sheen
Mexican Velvet Obsidian is a rare and captivating variety of obsidian known for its velvety chatoyance and flashes of color—often appearing in rich green, gold, and purple hues when turned under light. Once imported in bulk during the mid-1900s, this material is now extremely limited, with most available pieces being old stock from the 1960s or earlier.
This obsidian gets its name from the soft, shimmering effect that resembles velvet—making it a favorite among lapidary artists and obsidian collectors. When cut and polished, it produces fantastic cabochons that truly stand out. Its reflective sheen and smooth cutting quality also make it fun and rewarding to work with.
Today, the original mine is largely tapped out, and only a small amount of Velvet Obsidian circulates on the market. If you're lucky enough to find a slab or chunk, it's worth grabbing—this material is gorgeous, rare, and highly collectible.
🔍 Product Features:
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Material: Mexican Velvet Obsidian
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Origin: Mexico (Old stock material, mostly 1960s or earlier)
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Visuals: Velvety texture with flashes of green, gold, and purple
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Lapidary Use: Excellent for cabbing and high-gloss polishing
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Rarity: Original mine largely depleted – hard to find today
💎 Why You'll Love It:
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Beautiful velvet-like flash not seen in typical obsidian
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Old stock material with historical rockhound appeal
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Creates standout cabochons and display pieces
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Limited availability – highly collectible
Whether you're cutting for jewelry or adding to a collection, Mexican Velvet Obsidian offers a combination of rarity, beauty, and lapidary joy that’s hard to beat.
Measurements (inches - longest - approx): 2.7 x 1.9 x .22
The last photo has been taken dry so that you may see any defects. The other images were taken wet to simulate polish.
