Fire obsidian is a rare variety of iridescent obsidian that is found in southeast Oregon. It is characterized by its vibrant colors and patterns, which are caused by the presence of thin layers of magnetite within the glass. The colors of fire obsidian can vary widely, but they often include red, orange, yellow, green, and blue. The patterns can be concentric circles, bands, or other geometric shapes.
Fire obsidian is formed when lava cools very rapidly, preventing the formation of crystals. This results in a glassy material that is highly reflective. The magnetite layers within the fire obsidian cause light to be reflected in different ways, creating the iridescent colors and patterns.
An incredible specimen of fire obsidian from Lake County, Oregon.
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