Snowflake Obsidian is a variety of obsidian — volcanic glass — in which white or grey spherulites of cristobalite have crystallized within the otherwise amorphous black glass matrix. These spherulites form as the obsidian slowly devitrifies over time — the glass begins to partially crystallize in the areas least resistant to change, producing the characteristic snowflake-like patterns. It is found primarily in the western United States (Utah, Nevada, Oregon), Mexico, and other volcanically active regions.

Snowflake Obsidian is obsidian (volcanic glass composed primarily of SiO2) containing spherulitic inclusions of cristobalite, a high-temperature polymorph of silicon dioxide. The cristobalite forms through devitrification — a slow partial crystallization of the glass over time. The white patterns are the result of this ordered structure emerging within the disordered glass. Obsidian registers 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Snowflake obsidian is found primarily in volcanic regions of the western United States and Mexico.

Like all obsidian, snowflake obsidian was used by Mesoamerican cultures for blades, ceremonial objects, and mirrors — the white cristobalite markings in some specimens may have given certain pieces particular significance as stones of duality, holding light within the dark., In some Native American traditions, obsidian was associated with the protective qualities of the night sky — black as absence of light, yet revealing what the daytime conceals. Snowflake obsidian's white patterns suggest the stars within that darkness., and The snowflake pattern in the stone is caused by the same kind of crystallization process that produces snowflakes in nature — a chaos-to-order process in which random conditions produce unexpectedly symmetrical results, a quality noted in folk traditions as a reminder that order emerges from disruption.

I am steady in the midst of change. I release old patterns with ease and make space for what is meant for me. I am grounded, clear, and present — in my body, in this moment, exactly as it is.