Rainbow Obsidian Heart Pendant 30mm — Gold Paperclip Chain

A chunky rainbow obsidian heart carved from genuine volcanic glass and hung on a modern gold paperclip chain. Held still it reads as deep black, but tilt it toward the light and bands of green, soft purple and smoky gold radiate outward from the centre in a heart-within-heart pattern. That effect is the whole point of rainbow obsidian, and it only shows properly when the carving is oriented correctly during shaping.

What actually causes the colours? Not pigment, and nothing added. Suspended inside the glass are vanishingly thin layers of magnetite nanocrystals, aligned parallel by the flow of the lava as it cooled. When light passes through and bounces off those layers it splits into colour bands, the same physics that makes a soap bubble iridescent. This is why the rainbow appears and disappears as you move: you're changing the angle light takes through the stone.

A closer look at this piece

Obsidian forms when felsic lava cools too rapidly for minerals to crystallize, producing a natural glass rather than a rock. The finest rainbow material comes from Mexico. A visible heart-within-heart in a carved piece is a real mark of quality, since the cutter has to read the internal layering and orient the carving to it, and a poor cut leaves the stone looking plainly black. Rainbow obsidian is associated with protection, emotional grounding, and gently getting to the root of what's unsettling you, which is a softer reputation than black obsidian carries.

• Stone: Genuine rainbow obsidian, hand carved
• Pendant: 30mm heart with heart-within-heart sheen pattern
• Chain: 14k gold-plated stainless steel paperclip, 18 in (45cm) with 2 in extender
• Colours: Black with green, purple and gold iridescence
• Chakras: Root, with heart

Message us with your order if you'd prefer a different chain length.

Wearing your pendant

This one is at its best in daylight or under a directional lamp, where the movement of the sheen is most obvious. The gold-plated stainless steel chain is built for regular wear and won't tarnish the way plated brass does. Take the pendant off before showering or swimming, and keep perfume and lotion off the stone, since obsidian is glass and its shine depends on an unmarked polished surface. A dry soft cloth restores it in seconds.

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