By Dave Webb
We did this trip October 14-15, 2023, to rockhound and also watch the “ring of fire” eclipse. Conditions were excellent and we had great fun
Obsidian is beautiful. Most is jet black and can be glossy. It is a natural glass formed in volcanoes. Impurities can give it unique coloring. In Utah, we often find snowflake obsidian, which has irregular white splotches, and mahogany obsidian, which has brownish shades.
Obsidian often tapers to a naturally sharp edge. It can be napped to form tools of various shapes with edges as sharp as our best surgical steel blades. It has been used by cultures worldwide to create fine arrowheads, knives, and other instruments.
Obsidian is also used to make jewelry. Apache tears are obsidian pebbles often used to make pendants, necklaces, and other adornments.
In Utah obsidian can be found in many locations, mostly around old lava flows and spots where you can see evidence of volcanic activity.
One area in particular, which we call the Obsidian Beds, has beautiful rocks lying on the surface where they are easy to find and collect. Most specimens are small and solid black but if you poke around you can easily larger pieces and some that have other colors.
Black Spring is in the center of a very productive area. It is located in the West Desert east of Hyw 257, south of Delta and north of Minersville. If you search the washes and hillsides in that area you will certainly find pieces worth taking home. It is a sure thing can’t miss spot to take kids.
The access road is good gravel. It can be driven using any vehicle but may become treacherous when wet. There are many side roads leading to interesting spots and they can be very rough and require 4X4.
There are no facilities in this area so go prepared. Disbursed camping is allowed and there are many good sites. Do not camp at the spring because that would disrupt wildlife, which depend on it for water.
Spring and fall are ideal times to explore this area. Summer days can be very hot but morning and evening hours are pleasant. Winter days are often mild but winter nights can be bitter cold.
