Tumbled Black Tourmaline, Black Onyx and Black Obsidian: Here’s how I tell the three apart if I have 3 of the same size in my hand. Black obsidian will be the lightest in weight of all three, because obsidian is a natural volcanic glass. Black tourmaline will feel the heaviest, although that can be marginal compared to Black Onyx. Black tourmaline will tend to have striations or crevices that tend to run in one direction because of the patterning of the natural crystal. Black onyx may have striations or crevices, but they will be more random in pattern than black tourmaline. Black onyx may also have patterns of other color in it, most often then tan of plain onyx. And if it’s translucent at all, when held to the light it’s almost always Black Obsidian.
Great info. I must say, the three you talked about do confuse me. Especially since I was given a box of mixed black tumbled stones and am still undecided about a few of them. Now, what about black agate? I that just black onyx in disguise? LOL
Many thanks!
Hi Beauty, I’m glad it was a help :) Black agate. hmmmms. I’ll have to think how to say it for that one!