✨ Velvet Obsidian Slab – Chatoyant Old Stock Obsidian for Lapidary Artists
This slab is on the thicker side and loaded with magnetite and vibrant flash. It has excellent coloration and movement under light, and should cut into some striking cabochons or make a bold display piece in any collection.
📏 Measurements (inches - longest - approx): 4.2 x 3.9 x 0.3
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.
📝 Natural Stone Disclaimer:
All of the stones and fossils offered here are natural materials formed over millions of years through geological and organic processes. As a result, it is completely normal for them to exhibit natural fractures, pits, inclusions, voids, and other surface or internal features that reflect their ancient origins.
These characteristics are not flaws—they are part of what makes each piece unique. We encourage you to review all product photos carefully and research the properties of each material before purchasing to ensure it meets your expectations. If you have any questions about a specific piece, feel free to contact us before ordering.
🖼️ Photo Disclaimer:
To best showcase the color, pattern, and potential of each stone, most photos are taken with the material wet to simulate the appearance of a polished finish. The final photo is taken dry to help highlight any natural surface imperfections such as fractures, pits, or voids. Please review all images carefully before purchasing.
Photos are taken with my monitor set to default display settings to minimize distortion. Colors may vary slightly depending on your screen.
