Obsidian is a glassy volcanic rock and a mineral without regular crystalline structure. In some stones the inclusion of small, white, radially clustered crystals of cristobalite in the black glass produce a blotchy or snowflake pattern (snowflake obsidian).
All forms of Obsidian are very flexible in how they work with an individual, or through a range of situations. Being so 'fresh' from the inner earth they all have a grounding property and most are also protective. Many people are choosing to work with obsidian now, as we are being asked to look deeply within ourselves to work out our own balance between who we think we are and who we truly are. The mix of black and white in snowflake obsidian makes this a great stone for those who have the courage to go within and confront and resolve their relationship with their shadow side. Interestingly we are finding that young children of 4-8 are being drawn to snowflake obsidian, perhaps recognising on some level that it supports ALL polarities and extremes.