Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Flintknapping => Topic started by: flungonin on February 25, 2014, 11:23:49 am

Title: Rainbow or ???? Black Obsidian
Post by: flungonin on February 25, 2014, 11:23:49 am

I am still working on this piece, But was wondering if this is Rainbow or something else. A cousin sent a spaul from New Mexico for me to work with.

Title: Re: Rainbow or ???? Black Obsidian
Post by: Outbackbob48 on February 25, 2014, 11:31:15 am

I would call it black or banded, rainbow has 3 colors kinda blended and kinda irrdecent ,Hope that helps :o Bob

Title: Re: Rainbow or ???? Black Obsidian
Post by: Dalton Knapper on February 25, 2014, 01:11:47 pm

I don't think NM has rainbow Obsidian (that I know of). Rainbow shows many colors when you put it in light (not when light shines through it). I think like the other poster said that it is some type of banded Obsidian.

Title: Re: Rainbow or ???? Black Obsidian
Post by: StevenT on February 25, 2014, 02:15:44 pm

Just curious, but are you sure that is Obsidian?

Title: Re: Rainbow or ???? Black Obsidian
Post by: flungonin on February 25, 2014, 02:27:40 pm

I'll post a pic of the piece it came from. My cousin sent it from NM. Didn't say it came or originated from there.

Title: Re: Rainbow or ???? Black Obsidian
Post by: Stoker on February 25, 2014, 03:18:54 pm

Have heard it called lace... NM has huge rock shows
Leroy

Title: Re: Rainbow or ???? Black Obsidian
Post by: flungonin on February 25, 2014, 04:15:18 pm

Here are 2 pictures  of the rock it came off of.

Title: Re: Rainbow or ???? Black Obsidian
Post by: Stoker on February 25, 2014, 04:21:05 pm

I can't tell from the pics... I have to see it person in good light.. My eye Dr. says men my age................  It's nice looking stuff.... I'll have to look in my pile I beleive I have a peice of rainbow I've beening hoarding....

Title: Re: Rainbow or ???? Black Obsidian
Post by: bubby on February 25, 2014, 05:29:56 pm

that's not black obs

Title: Re: Rainbow or ???? Black Obsidian
Post by: Stoker on February 25, 2014, 06:44:54 pm

This is what I was sold as rainbow.. There is more colour than the pics show... Cheap old camera..Hope this helps..
Thanks Leroy

Title: Re: Rainbow or ???? Black Obsidian
Post by: Ahnlaashock on February 25, 2014, 07:45:49 pm

I went to get a good sample of rainbow out, but all I have is the purple sheen material left. 

Title: Re: Rainbow or ???? Black Obsidian
Post by: Outbackbob48 on February 25, 2014, 11:06:51 pm

Stocker, looks like banded obsidian to me :o I'll see if I can find a blade someone sent me of Rainbow, I'll try and get some pics tomorrow. Later Bob

Title: Re: Rainbow or ???? Black Obsidian
Post by: StevenT on February 26, 2014, 10:07:47 am

Yea, from the pic it looks to be obsidian. I have my doubts it originated in NM. Doesn't really matter though, it is a nice looking chunk of material.

Title: Re: Rainbow or ???? Black Obsidian
Post by: aaron on February 26, 2014, 11:32:46 am

rainbow is hard to photograph. I'd say the o.p. may or may not have it,,,the colors show when light bounces off it, not shining through. the colors only show at a certain angle of view- you have to turn it in your hand until the colors pop out (or not). Some is much more colorful than others. google it for some striking examples. viewed under different light or angles these would all look black

Title: Re: Rainbow or ???? Black Obsidian
Post by: Stoker on February 26, 2014, 03:17:38 pm

aaron - Thanks for your example and explaination... I can see some voilet colour but not a lot.. It is hard to photograph.. I took 15 pics and showed the best 3...
Thanks Leroy

Title: Re: Rainbow or ???? Black Obsidian
Post by: Dalton Knapper on February 26, 2014, 04:46:51 pm

Google "Spectacular rainbow obsidian blades (Davis Creek, California material)" and you'll see what spectacular really is and some beautiful pictures of Rainbow Obsidian blades. Some marginal knapper named Blackwell makes a dandy  ;).

Title: Re: Rainbow or ???? Black Obsidian
Post by: flungonin on February 27, 2014, 01:27:59 am

Thanks for all the info and comments. So I am guessing the general consenses is banded obsidian.