2 red obsidan tumble stone

Red obsidian is a striking and relatively rare variety of the volcanic glass **obsidian**, known for its deep red or reddish-brown color. Here’s a detailed overview:
---
### **1. What is Red Obsidian?**
- **Composition:** Like all obsidian, it is a **natural volcanic glass** formed when lava cools rapidly, preventing mineral crystallization.
- **Color:** Ranges from **translucent cherry red** to **deep, opaque reddish-brown** or even **burgundy**.
- **Cause of Color:** The red hue comes from **iron oxide (hematite) inclusions** or **nanoparticles of iron** within the glass.
---
### **2. Properties & Characteristics**
- **Luster:** Vitreous (glassy), sometimes with a slight sheen.
- **Transparency:** Can be **translucent to opaque**.
- **Hardness:** **5–5.5 on the Mohs scale** (softer than quartz; requires careful handling).
- **Fracture:** **Conchoidal** (smooth, curved breaks like other obsidian).
- **Variations:**  
  - **Mahogany Obsidian** – Reddish-brown streaks mixed with black.  
  - **Rainbow Obsidian** – May show red iridescence under light.  
---
### **3. Where is Red Obsidian Found?**
- **Primary Sources:**  
  - **Mexico** (especially near Jalisco and Michoacán).  
  - **United States** (parts of Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona).  
  - **Armenia, Iceland, and Japan** (less common).  
- **Rarity:** Pure red obsidian is **much rarer** than black or mahogany varieties.
---
### **4. Uses & Significance**
#### **A. Jewelry & Decorative Items**  
- Cut into **cabochons, beads, and carvings** (often polished to enhance color).  
- Used in **pendants, rings, and ornamental objects**.  
#### **B. Historical & Cultural Importance**  
- **Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica:** The Maya and Aztecs used obsidian (including red varieties) for **ritual blades, mirrors, and art**.  
- **Metaphysical Beliefs:** Some associate red obsidian with:  
  - **Grounding and protection** (like black obsidian).  
  - **Emotional healing** (linked to the root chakra due to its red color).  
#### **C. Geological Interest**  
- Studied for its **formation process** (rapid cooling of iron-rich lava).  
---
### **6. Care & Maintenance**  
- **Avoid:** Harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and extreme temperature changes.  
- **Clean:** With mild soap, water, and a soft cloth.  
- **Store:** Separately to prevent scratches (it’s softer than quartz or sapphire).  
---
### **Fun Fact:**  
Red obsidian is sometimes called **"fire obsidian"** when it displays iridescent flashes, though true fire obsidian is a different (and rarer) variety.