Where to Find Obsidian in British Columbia: 14 Mapped Sites
British Columbia has 14 documented sites where obsidian have been reported, and the best-known are Blackwater Perlite, Coates Creek, and Florence Creek. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Obsidian Map: British Columbia
All 14 obsidian sites in British Columbia. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Obsidian Are Found in British Columbia
Obsidian comes from young rhyolitic lava flows and domes in the volcanic West. Collect only where rules allow — many obsidian localities have archaeological protections.
The richest reported sites in British Columbia: Blackwater Perlite, Coates Creek, Florence Creek, Garibaldi Obsidian, Gold Creek.
All Obsidian Sites in British Columbia
- Blackwater Perlite — Other
- Coates Creek — Other
- Florence Creek — Other
- Garibaldi Obsidian — Other
- Gold Creek — Other
- Ironside Mountain — Other
- Juskatla Inlet — Other
- Mooney'S Ranch — Other
- Moore Lake — Other
- Mount Edziza — Other
- Ship Kieta Island — Other
- Skelu Bay — Other
- Tuktakamin — Other
- Ward Creek — Other
How to Identify Obsidian
Obsidian is volcanic glass: jet black (sometimes mahogany-streaked or gray-banded), glassy luster, and a perfect conchoidal fracture that produces edges sharper than surgical steel — handle fresh breaks carefully. It feels lighter than an equally sized ordinary stone. Snowflake obsidian carries gray cristobalite spots; Apache tears are rounded obsidian nodules weathered free of their perlite shell.
Not sure what you found? Try our identification guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find obsidian in British Columbia?
British Columbia has 14 mapped sites where obsidian have been reported. The best-known are Blackwater Perlite, Coates Creek, and Florence Creek. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many obsidian sites are mapped in British Columbia?
We have 14 documented obsidian sites in British Columbia, compiled from provincial geological survey records and community submissions, reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect obsidian in British Columbia?
Casual hand collecting is generally allowed on unclaimed Crown land in British Columbia. It is prohibited in parks, on active mineral claims, and on private land without permission. Always verify land status before you dig.
How do I identify obsidian?
Obsidian is volcanic glass: jet black (sometimes mahogany-streaked or gray-banded), glassy luster, and a perfect conchoidal fracture that produces edges sharper than surgical steel — handle fresh breaks carefully. It feels lighter than an equally sized ordinary stone. Snowflake obsidian carries gray cristobalite spots; Apache tears are rounded obsidian nodules weathered free of their perlite shell.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations, weather conditions, and access requirements before visiting any location. Information provided is based on community submissions and may not be current or accurate.
More to Find in British Columbia
Data: BC Geological Survey MINFILE — reviewed and approved by the Rockhounding.org Research Team. Always verify current land status, regulations, and access before visiting any site.