XXL Snowflake Obsidian Sphere 162mm — Rare 12.5lb Crystal Ball

An XXL snowflake obsidian sphere at 162mm across and 5.7 kilograms, which is a genuinely rare size for this material. At 12.5 pounds it's a two-handed lift and a proper centrepiece, the sort of object that anchors a room rather than decorating a shelf. The polish is smooth and even right across the surface, so the white markings read clearly against the deep black from every angle.

Why is a sphere this large so hard to find? Obsidian is volcanic glass, and glass is brittle. A block big enough to yield a 162mm sphere has to survive extraction and then hours on the grinding wheel without a single fracture running through it, and most candidates fail somewhere along the way. Add the requirement that the snowflake patterning be attractive across the whole surface, not just one face, and the odds narrow considerably.

A closer look at this specimen

The white markings are clusters of cristobalite, a silica mineral that slowly crystallizes inside the glass long after the lava has cooled. Most obsidian never does this, since the lava sets too fast for any crystal to form, which makes snowflake obsidian a curious in-between thing: volcanic glass caught in the act of partly becoming a crystal. The black areas between the flecks remain pure glass. This piece is entirely natural, undyed and untreated, with the slight variations in texture that any natural stone carries.

• Stone: Natural snowflake obsidian, not treated, not dyed
• Form & size: Polished sphere, 162mm (6.4 in) diameter
• Weight: 5.7kg (12.5 lb)
• Colour: Deep black with white spherulite patterning
• Chakras: Third eye, with root grounding

Displaying your sphere

This needs a sturdy stand and a surface that can genuinely take the weight, ideally low enough that you're never lifting it at arm's length. A floor plinth, a low table, or a strong bottom shelf all work better than anything high. Light from the side reveals the snowflake patterning far better than overhead light. Obsidian is brittle for its weight, so move it with both hands and never set it down on stone or tile without something soft underneath. Dust with a dry cloth.

Please note: crystals are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Keep small pieces away from young children.