🟣 Velvet Obsidian Rough – Green & Purple Aurora Borealis Chatoyance
This is a gorgeous chunk of Mexican Velvet Obsidian showing an aurora borealis effect with shimmering green and purple chatoyance across the surface. At 14 oz, this piece is perfectly sized for a domed polish and would make a standout addition to any lapidary or obsidian collection.
🔹 Key Features
Material & Origin: Velvet Obsidian, 100% natural, Mexico
Dimensions (Inches): ~2.9″ × 1.7″ × 3″
Weight: ~14 oz (approximate)
Unique Characteristics: Aurora-like green and purple flash, ideal for dome polish or display
(You will receive the exact piece shown in photos.)
📝 Material Overview, History, and Geology
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, with most fresh material being smaller trimmers and tumbling rough. If you're lucky enough to find a slab or chunk, it's worth grabbing—this material is gorgeous, rare, and highly collectible.
📏 Additional Notes
Natural Stone: This is a piece of unpolished rough stone, and natural features such as fractures, pits, and inclusions are expected. These are not flaws, but part of its natural history.
Photos: All photos are taken wet to demonstrate how colors and patterns appear when polished. This stone is not polished. Please review all photos carefully before purchasing.
Collector’s Highlight
A beautiful old-stock Velvet Obsidian rough with green and purple aurora borealis shimmer—perfect for polishing into a unique display piece.
