Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass created when feldspar-rich lava and quartz cools too quickly thus forming crystals. Technically it's not considered a mineral due to its complex composition and lack of a crystalline structure. Obsidian is extremely rich in silica (about 65 to 80 percent), is low in water, and has a chemical composition similar to Rhyolite (an extrusive igneous rock, formed from magma rich in silica that is extruded from a volcanic vent to cool quickly on the surface rather than slowly in the subsurface). It has a glassy luster and is slightly harder than window glass. It tends to be dark, black, grey-black to grey, red, brown-green, green, yellow, rainbow, sheen, specked or even transparent. There are many different kinds of Obsidian and its colors are determined by its trace elemental contents as well as the arrangement of its inclusions.
For centuries people have used it for implements because it lacks cleavage and acute edges when broken. It’s perfect for smooth and sharp surgical blades, knives, arrowheads, spear points, scrapers, and many other weapons and tools dating back to the Stone Age. Aside from the use of weapon and tools, the Incans used it for mirrors and masks. Its ancient name was accredited by Theophrastus in 320 BC and means "dark, hard, glass-like volcanic rock." Originally it’s said that it comes from the Latin word obsidianus, which was technically a misprint of Obsianus (lapis), "(stone) of Obsius," named after a Roman who found this rock in Ethiopia.
Obsidian is found worldwide and appears in areas of recent volcanic activity. Anything older than a few million years is a rarity because it’s quickly destroyed or altered by weathering, heat, or other types of erosion. Large deposits of Obsidian are found in Argentina, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Russia and the United States, among other locations.
Obsidian helps keep the entire body active. It can help with detoxifying and circulating the body to maintain a full and healthy flow. It can help with digestive and gall bladder problems. Obsidian can help the heart beat healthily, and assist in deep tissue healing so the body can rejuvenate. It clears negative emotions and energy. It helps with despair and fear. It’s a truth-seeker and encourages one to stay away from dishonesty, allowing one to see different angles of the self. Obsidian gives courage to explore the unknown, embrace one’s true self while dissolving old traumas.
Obsidian Stone can strengthen the root chakra, which is said to be one of the most important chakras because of its grounding nature. When the root chakra is blocked, one might feel unstable, in danger or surrounded by negativity. Obsidian is also said to help against psychic attacks.
For centuries sages and healers have used Obsidian to help tap into that third eye chakra. They believed the mirror-like qualities of Obsidian could provide a glimpse into another realm and could guide the way towards higher knowledge and cosmic consciousness. The Black Obsidian Stone is also known for helping the solar plexus chakra, or rather the third chakra, and is associated with the place from where self-esteem and the sense of worth flows. When the solar plexus is blocked one might feel off balance and lost, and even outside of one's self. The Obsidian mirror can remove the blockage impeding one from living fully.
It is the Zodiac birthstone of Scorpios.
Obsidian is a durable and can be safely cleaned using a soft cloth and soapy water. Soap residue can build up on it, so rinse and polish well. As with most gemstones, ultrasonic cleaners and steamers are not recommended. Take care to store obsidian in a soft case away from hard objects as it can be easily scratched. Moonlight is always welcome.
For centuries people have used it for implements because it lacks cleavage and acute edges when broken. It’s perfect for smooth and sharp surgical blades, knives, arrowheads, spear points, scrapers, and many other weapons and tools dating back to the Stone Age. Aside from the use of weapon and tools, the Incans used it for mirrors and masks. Its ancient name was accredited by Theophrastus in 320 BC and means "dark, hard, glass-like volcanic rock." Originally it’s said that it comes from the Latin word obsidianus, which was technically a misprint of Obsianus (lapis), "(stone) of Obsius," named after a Roman who found this rock in Ethiopia.
Obsidian is found worldwide and appears in areas of recent volcanic activity. Anything older than a few million years is a rarity because it’s quickly destroyed or altered by weathering, heat, or other types of erosion. Large deposits of Obsidian are found in Argentina, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Russia and the United States, among other locations.
Obsidian helps keep the entire body active. It can help with detoxifying and circulating the body to maintain a full and healthy flow. It can help with digestive and gall bladder problems. Obsidian can help the heart beat healthily, and assist in deep tissue healing so the body can rejuvenate. It clears negative emotions and energy. It helps with despair and fear. It’s a truth-seeker and encourages one to stay away from dishonesty, allowing one to see different angles of the self. Obsidian gives courage to explore the unknown, embrace one’s true self while dissolving old traumas.
Obsidian Stone can strengthen the root chakra, which is said to be one of the most important chakras because of its grounding nature. When the root chakra is blocked, one might feel unstable, in danger or surrounded by negativity. Obsidian is also said to help against psychic attacks.
For centuries sages and healers have used Obsidian to help tap into that third eye chakra. They believed the mirror-like qualities of Obsidian could provide a glimpse into another realm and could guide the way towards higher knowledge and cosmic consciousness. The Black Obsidian Stone is also known for helping the solar plexus chakra, or rather the third chakra, and is associated with the place from where self-esteem and the sense of worth flows. When the solar plexus is blocked one might feel off balance and lost, and even outside of one's self. The Obsidian mirror can remove the blockage impeding one from living fully.
It is the Zodiac birthstone of Scorpios.
Obsidian is a durable and can be safely cleaned using a soft cloth and soapy water. Soap residue can build up on it, so rinse and polish well. As with most gemstones, ultrasonic cleaners and steamers are not recommended. Take care to store obsidian in a soft case away from hard objects as it can be easily scratched. Moonlight is always welcome.