Peanut Obsidian: A Unique Volcanic Glass Gemstone
Imagine a gemstone that looks like a peanut but is actually a rare volcanic glass called Peanut Obsidian. It has unique red spheres that are really feldspar crystals stained by Hematite. This special mineral has caught the eye of jewelers and collectors all over the world.
Alberto Maas found it in the Mexican state of Sonora. Now, Peanut Obsidian is a gem that many people want. Most of it is kept by American and Mexican jewelers.
Key Takeaways
- Peanut Obsidian is a rare and unique variety of volcanic glass gemstone
- Its distinctive red spheres are actually feldspar crystals stained by Hematite
- The mineral was first discovered in Alamos, Sonora, Mexico by Alberto Maas
- Much of the available Peanut Obsidian inventory is being hoarded by jewelers
- Peanut Obsidian can be found in a wide price range, from $0.00 to $122.00 per piece
Introduction to Peanut Obsidian
Definition and Description
Peanut Obsidian is a special type of volcanic glass. It’s similar to obsidian but not the same. This gemstone has beautiful chatoyant radiating red-orange spherules. These make it perfect for cabochons.
It gets its name from its unique “peanut” look. This makes it stand out and interesting.
Origin of the Name
At first, it was called “Almasite,” but that name was taken. So, they called it “Peanut Obsidian” because of its special look.
Peanut Obsidian is not the same as true obsidian. True obsidian forms when lava cools quickly. Peanut Obsidian has a special way of showing color and light. This makes it different from black, gray, or brown obsidian.
“Peanut Obsidian is a remarkable gemstone that captivates the eye with its mesmerizing, radiating spherules. It’s a true testament to the wonders of nature’s creativity.”
Peanut Obsidian is popular in jewelry and crystal healing. Its unique look and story draw in collectors and fans.
Historical Background and Discovery
Peanut obsidian is a rare volcanic glass gemstone with a fascinating history. It was first found in the early 2000s in Alamos, Sonora, Mexico. Alberto Maas, a Mexican geologist and gem enthusiast, made this discovery.
Before Maas found it, no one knew about peanut obsidian. This gemstone is different from the usual black, green, or brown obsidian. It looks like a peanut, which is why it’s called peanut obsidian. The history of peanut obsidian and its discovery in Mexico has made it popular among gem collectors.
This gemstone is quite new, with only one known place where it can be found in Mexico. Because it’s so rare, many American and Mexican jewelers keep it for themselves. They see its unique value and beauty. The discovery of peanut obsidian has also opened new doors in gemstone exploration and appreciation.
“Peanut obsidian is a truly remarkable gemstone, with a distinctive appearance and a captivating history of discovery. Its rarity and allure have made it a highly sought-after treasure in the world of fine jewelry and gem collecting.”
People are still learning more about peanut obsidian. Gem enthusiasts and researchers are excited to explore this material and its origins. The history of peanut obsidian and the discovery of this remarkable gemstone in Mexico have made a big impact on gemology.
Physical Characteristics of Peanut Obsidian
Peanut Obsidian is a special type of volcanic glass gemstone. It is known for its beautiful play of light and color. It comes in many colors like amethyst, citrine, and smoky, thanks to red-orange spherules inside the rock.
Appearance and Color Variations
Peanut Obsidian looks amazing because of its red-orange spheres. These are actually feldspar crystals stained by Hematite over time. This mix of colors and textures makes each piece unique and beautiful.
Crystal Structure and Formation
Peanut Obsidian is different from other obsidian types because of its crystal structure and how it forms. It is made when lava cools down quickly, turning into a glass-like material. The red-orange spheres form as the lava cools, trapping feldspar crystals inside.
Common Locations and Mining Areas
Peanut Obsidian is mainly found in the Sonora region of Mexico, where it was first discovered. It also comes from other places with volcanoes, like California, Nevada, Utah, and Oregon in the US. Its rarity makes it highly sought after by collectors.
| Peanut Obsidian Listing Price | Shipping Cost | Item Location | Estimated Delivery Time | Seller Return Policy | Payment Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US $107.99 | US $9.71 via USPS Priority Mail | Grafton, Ohio, United States | Between Wed, Aug 21 and Sat, Aug 24 to 08854 | Does not accept returns | No Interest if paid in full in 6 months on $99+ with PayPal Credit |
Peanut Obsidian is loved for its unique colors, structure, and where it’s found. These features make it popular and valuable among collectors and fans of this special volcanic glass gemstone.
Different Types of Peanut Obsidian
Peanut Obsidian is a special type of volcanic glass. It comes in various products and sizes. Some popular ones include the Peanut Rock Obsidian (Mexico) 57x37mm RE57, Peanut Rock Obsidian (Mexico) 34x26x3mm RE58a, and Peanut Rock Obsidian (Mexico) 30x5mm RE58b1.
These cabochons are known for their red-orange spherules. The orbicular rhyolite in this area has a chatoyant orb that’s copper/red/brown. Zeolites are also found here, often in a massive form mixed with rhyolite or basalt silica-based rock. These zeolites are soft but show wild patterns.
Working with this material can be tough because it’s unstable and has soft spots. But, its striking patterns and nice color contrast make it very popular among collectors and jewelry lovers.
| Variety | Size (mm) | Catalog Number |
|---|---|---|
| Peanut Rock Obsidian (Mexico) | 57×37 | RE57 |
| Peanut Rock Obsidian (Mexico) | 34x26x3 | RE58a |
| Peanut Rock Obsidian (Mexico) | 30×5 | RE58b1 |
“Peanut Obsidian has been found in the Goldfields and Superstition Mountains, and the material is noted for its nice color and contrast.”
Scientific Properties of Peanut Obsidian
Peanut obsidian is a type of volcanic glass that has many interesting scientific properties. It is a kind of perlite, which is a hydrated volcanic glass. This glass is mostly made of silica (SiO2). Its chemical makeup and unique physical traits make it special and useful.
Chemical Composition (SiO2)
Peanut obsidian is mostly silicon dioxide (SiO2), a mineral found in the Earth’s crust. This high silica content gives it a glassy look and makes it visually appealing. Other elements like iron and magnesium can change its color, making it black, brown, or reddish-orange.
Mohs Hardness Scale Rating
Peanut obsidian is on the Mohs hardness scale of 5-6. This means it’s a soft gemstone. It can easily scratch or chip, so it needs to be handled with care. This is important if you plan to use it in jewelry or other items.
Crystal System and Habit
Peanut obsidian doesn’t have a typical crystal structure. Instead, it has an amorphous, glassy crystal structure. This means its atoms are arranged in a way that doesn’t form crystals. This unique arrangement gives it a special look, including “peanut-shaped” spherules that shimmer in the light.
Optical Properties
Peanut obsidian is known for its beautiful optical properties. Its high silica content and amorphous structure help it refract and reflect light in a stunning way. This creates a shimmering effect, especially with the red-orange spherules inside it.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Primarily Silica (SiO2) |
| Mohs Hardness Scale | 5-6 |
| Crystal System | Amorphous, Glassy |
| Optical Properties | Chatoyant, Shimmering |
Metaphysical and Healing Properties
Peanut obsidian combines volcanic glass and minerals, offering powerful metaphysical and healing properties. This gemstone connects people deeply with Mother Earth. It has a mysterious energy that helps with spiritual growth.
Spiritual Significance and Symbolism
Peanut obsidian grounds you in the physical world while expanding your consciousness. It boosts creative thinking and personal will. The feldspar and hematite in it enhance these effects.
When meditating, place peanut obsidian on the belly. This helps link the lower three chakras, promoting balance.
Healing Properties and Benefits
Peanut obsidian is known for healing the body, emotions, and spirit. It helps with digestion, eases arthritis pain, and cleanses the body. It also fights addiction and boosts growth in all areas.
Emotional Healing Aspects
This gemstone is great for emotional healing. It removes mental stress and brings balance. This leads to better mental health and peace.
Peanut obsidian is a key tool for connecting with earth energy, boosting creativity, and healing. Its unique properties make it a valuable part of any spiritual or wellness routine.
Peanut Obsidian Jewelry and Accessories
Peanut obsidian is a beautiful volcanic glass gemstone loved by jewelry fans around the world. Its unique red-orange spherules make it stand out. Peanut obsidian cabochons are perfect for jewelry, adding elegance and modern style to pieces like pendants, rings, and bracelets.
Sterling silver earrings with peanut obsidian are a hit, showing off the gemstone’s beautiful colors. These earrings are 2.5cm x 2cm and cost $98.00 AUD. For orders over $250 in Australia, you get free standard shipping, making it easy to add to your collection.
Peanut obsidian isn’t just for necklaces and earrings. It can also be used in other jewelry, adding a special touch. This stone is linked to the Root Chakra, offering inner peace and protection. It’s perfect for those looking to balance their emotions and find calm in tough times.
This stone’s energy is calming and helps connect you with nature. It supports understanding growth and change. So, peanut obsidian jewelry and accessories are great for those who want to improve their style and well-being.
If you’re interested in peanut obsidian’s beauty or its spiritual benefits, exploring its jewelry and accessories is a great idea. It can be a meaningful and stylish choice.
| Product | Price | Shipping | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peanut Obsidian Earrings | $98.00 AUD | Free standard shipping on orders over $250 | 2.5cm x 2cm (excluding hook) |
| Peanut Obsidian Pendant | $120.00 AUD | Shipping rates start at $10.00 for standard shipping up to 500gms | 3cm x 2.5cm |
| Peanut Obsidian Bracelet | $85.00 AUD | Express shipping available, with optional insurance and signature delivery | 18cm circumference |
Looking after your peanut obsidian jewelry is key to keeping it looking great. Make sure to clean and recharge it properly, as explained in the “Caring for Peanut Obsidian” section. This will help your accessories last longer.
“Peanut obsidian is a stone that blends grounding and protective qualities with a nurturing, calming energy. It aids in balancing emotional energies and provides stability during stressful times.”
Caring for Peanut Obsidian
Proper care is key to keeping Peanut Obsidian looking beautiful. Whether it’s new or you’ve had it for years, cleaning and recharging it keeps its charm. This gemstone needs the right care to stay special.
Cleansing Peanut Obsidian
Peanut Obsidian can pick up negative energies. To clean and purify it, try these methods:
- White Sage Smudging: Use the smoke of burning white sage to clear your stone of bad vibes.
- Palo Santo Cleansing: Palo Santo’s scent can also cleanse your stone, bringing back its natural balance.
- Full Moon Charging: Leave your stone under the full moon to soak up lunar energy and let go of negativity.
Recharging Peanut Obsidian
After cleaning, recharge your Peanut Obsidian to keep its special powers. Here’s how:
- Put the stone in direct sunlight for a few hours to soak up solar energy.
- Bury your stone in the earth for a day or two to connect with nature’s grounding energy.
- Meditate with your stone, focusing on its calming and protective qualities to fill it with positive thoughts.
Looking after peanut obsidian is crucial for its beauty and spiritual benefits. Clean and recharge it often to keep it a source of peace and protection in your life.
Stone Pairings with Peanut Obsidian
Peanut Obsidian is a unique volcanic glass gemstone. It works well with other stones to boost its spiritual and metaphysical powers. These stone combinations help users reach higher states, connect with deities, and increase their willpower and creativity.
Some great stones to pair with Peanut Obsidian are:
- Cavansite – Helps access higher dimensions and connect with divine energies.
- Iolite – Boosts intuition and psychic abilities, matching Peanut Obsidian’s visionary traits.
- Blue Kyanite – Aligns chakras and helps communicate with the spiritual world.
- K2 – Grounds and stabilizes, balancing Peanut Obsidian’s intense energies.
- Covellite – Connects with the higher self and deepens consciousness.
- Blue Aventurine – Increases creativity, imagination, and spiritual awareness, working with Peanut Obsidian’s transformative effects.
Using these stone pairings in meditation, rituals, or daily wear can enhance Peanut Obsidian’s unique qualities. This leads to personal growth, spiritual awakening, and better intuition.
Where to Buy Peanut Obsidian
Finding peanut obsidian is hard because it’s not common. This unique volcanic glass gemstone is rare and not easy to get. Most of it is kept by specialty jewelry makers and collectors in the U.S. and Mexico.
But, you can still find peanut obsidian retailers and online stores. Look for small gemstone dealers, artisanal jewelry makers, and special online places for lapidary and crystal fans.
To buy peanut obsidian, do some online research. Check out specialty gem and mineral shops. Also, connect with online groups of rock hounds and crystal collectors. With effort and a sharp eye, you might find good suppliers of this unique gem.
| Retailer | Location | Availability | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| liveoak | Online | In stock | 4,321 posts |
| rockbrainCave | Online | Limited supply | 2,883 posts |
| susand24224 | Online | In stock | 2,347 posts |
| Son Of Beach | Online | In stock | 2,626 posts |
By looking at these sources and being patient, you can boost your chances of getting the rare peanut obsidian. This will be great for your collection or jewelry projects.
Conclusion
Peanut Obsidian is a unique gemstone from the Sonora region in Mexico. It has red-orange spherules that make it mesmerizing. This gemstone enchants jewelry makers and crystal lovers with its beauty.
It can be the main focus or an accent in designs. Peanut Obsidian shows nature’s artistry and the earth’s volcanic processes.
This gemstone is new to the gemstone world, offering a chance for those who love rare minerals. Its rarity and unique creation make it valuable. Its beauty and possible spiritual benefits make it special.
In conclusion, Peanut Obsidian shows the beauty and complexity of nature. It invites us to admire the earth’s hidden wonders. This gemstone reminds us of the beauty of volcanic glass and our planet’s geological history.
