This process produces a stone that is very easy to chip but is not so brittle as obsidian or glass. It is an excellent stone for beginners or experts as it is available in large, consistent pieces. Novaculite is microscopically porous, allowing it to accept many stains and dyes. Metallic nitrates, salts or carbohydrates in solution will penetrate this stone to great depths. Then, careful heating can yield dramatic color changes.
Some users report good results with inks, wood stains, oils or waxes.
Suitable for fine, thin arrow and spear points and knife blades, percussion or pressure flaking techniques. Our novaculite is sold as a mix of sizes to offer the best color assortment and value per dollar. If you must have a special size please specify. Dacite is opaque to very slightly translucent, medium gray to black in color and is slightly grainier than glassy obsidian. It looks more like stone than obsidian.