Obsidian rock is formed from molten lava, which cools very quickly, thereby turning into glass. There are many color variations of the mineral, each of which is beautiful in its own way. But it is black obsidian that has unique and very strong properties.
It was used in ancient times for making tools, dishes, amulets, and as decorations for temples.
This stone was even mentioned in the series of books by J. Martin “A Song of Ice and Fire” called “Dragon Glass”. It was used as one of the means of combating walkers.
We will look in more detail about what properties black obsidian stone has and who it is suitable for in this article.
History of black obsidian stone
Deposits of black obsidian are concentrated in Italy, Sweden, Mexico, some American states, Transcaucasia, Kamchatka and Siberia. These places have significant volcanic activity that began billions of years ago and continues to this day.
From time to time the lava heats up and bursts out of the volcano. When it comes under the influence of specific conditions, for example, it finds itself in water, it quickly cools down. The melt does not have enough time to turn into crystals, and therefore it solidifies and acquires an amorphous structure. This is how obsidian is obtained - a special igneous rock, which is also called volcanic glass.
The black color of the mineral is due to insignificant inclusions of magnetite. And when analyzing the internal structural bands, one can come to a conclusion in which direction the lava moved.
The stone is a relatively young rock. Black obsidian is not found in old lava formations. The nuance is this: over time, crystals form in glass of volcanic origin. In this regard, it begins to change its own structure. However, this process will take thousands of years.
The oldest specimen of the stone is about 9,000 years old. Perhaps the ancient inhabitants used the mineral earlier, since it was easy to get it from lava, which had hardened.
It is known from history that during the Paleolithic, people who did not yet know how to work metal made spearheads, ax blades, and knives from this stone. Theophrastus, an ancient Greek naturalist, first described the amazing flammable mineral in his work “Treatise on Stones.” He reported that the stone swells and begins to bubble when heated. And when exposed to fire, obsidian burns completely.
About 3 centuries passed before obsidian acquired its official name. Pliny the Elder, a famous writer of Ancient Greece, was famous for his extensive knowledge. In his work "Natural History" he designated the mineral as Obsidia stone. According to legend, Obsidius, a resident of Ancient Rome, brought a beautiful and striking black stone from Ethiopia. He immediately gained popularity in Rome. Jewelry, statues, sculptures and amulets were created from the mineral. Pliny the Elder mentions figures depicting four elephants that were made from it. Emperor Augustus himself ordered them to be made to decorate the temple.
How to distinguish from a fake
Fake obsidian is black or dark green glass. It is easier for specialists than for ordinary consumers to distinguish natural stone from artificial and synthetic ones. It is necessary to pay attention to whether there is a “magical” shine of natural volcanic glass, especially noticeable in the sun.
Real obsidian has a deep, rich color. In some places the stone is translucent. If you hold it in your palm, it does not heat up for longer compared to synthetic materials. An easy way to check the authenticity of obsidian is to briefly place it in water (2-3 minutes). The color of the stone will change, and if you quickly wipe it dry, the original color will return. You also need to pay attention to the price. Genuine obsidian, especially its rare varieties, cannot be cheap.
Description of the black obsidian stone
The uniqueness of the mineral lies in the fact that it contains qualities and characteristics characteristic of both stone and glass.
Thanks to its deep black hue, glassy luster and dense structure, obsidian is similar to precious stones. Its chemical composition is similar to granite, which is one of the most durable rocks. 77% of its composition is silica. Among other elements, alumina can be distinguished, as well as melt components in which water and gas bubbles are completely absent.
Black obsidian differs from granite only in the absence of a crystalline lattice.
Like any glass, obsidian is quite fragile. He may suffer from blows or falls. If the stone is split, a conchoidal fracture is formed, which consists of narrow plates with incredibly sharp and beveled edges.
Black obsidian is a dielectric, which is typical of glass. It has a soft surface that is easily scratched by sharp objects. It can be sanded. Stone is extracted from masses of lava that have already solidified.
It is noteworthy that the famous Newberry volcano is located in the state of Oregon in the USA. During its eruption about a thousand years ago, lava flowed out, the flow of which was about 2 kilometers. It froze and turned into pure black obsidian.
Heavy industry actively uses black obsidian as a foaming additive for the production of lightweight concrete. In medicine, it is used to create surgical instruments. In addition, the mineral is popular among jewelers as a raw material.
Varieties
Rock varieties are associated with inclusions. Stones are distinguished by color: black obsidian, gray, red-brown. There are samples with a characteristic pattern:
- Snow obsidian has white flecks that resemble snowflakes.
- Peanut has the color of nut butter, with black elements clearly visible.
- Rainbow - on the cut of the mineraloid, iridescent patterns reminiscent of spilled oil are visible.
Among all varieties, the rarest is rainbow obsidian. The most common is black.
The healing properties of black obsidian stone
For many centuries, people have known and used the healing qualities of black obsidian. Residents of Ancient Egypt, for example, attributed bactericidal properties to it. A special powder was prepared from the stone, which was used to heal wounds. Incense was stored in dishes made from it, since this was how they managed to retain their qualities for a long time.
Lithotherapists claim that black obsidian has many medicinal properties, among which are the following:
- protection against colds;
- pain relief during the occurrence and development of arthritis and arthrosis;
- help with rheumatism and gout;
- normalization of blood pressure;
- strengthening and stabilizing the immune system;
- relief of symptoms of inflammatory diseases;
- normalization of the gastrointestinal tract;
- improved sleep;
- calming the nerves.
The magical properties of black obsidian stone
The destructive force of nature gives this exceptional mineral to people and transfers its energy to it. Black color always symbolizes mystery and enigma. It is for these reasons that over the course of many centuries, various magical properties have been attributed to the black obsidian stone, among which are:
- development of intuition and inner sense;
- protection from damage, the evil eye and negative influences;
- cleansing the mind from destructive and negative thoughts;
- making a long journey easier;
- restoration of energy holes in the human aura;
- protecting children's lives. The mineral is considered the most powerful amulet and amulet for a child;
- improvement of financial situation;
- warning about disasters (floods, fires and earthquakes);
- protection from grief, trouble and misfortune.
There is an opinion that among the magical properties of the black obsidian stone there is also help in predicting the future. For this reason, psychics and magicians often use balls made of this mineral in their activities.
The most reliable and proven are silver amulets, since this metal manages to enhance the magical properties of black obsidian.
If you combine it and rock crystal, then it becomes the strongest amulet, capable of protecting against any troubles and adversity.
How to care
Obsidian is cleaned every four weeks - rinsed briefly under running water. The stone is charged in the sun or placed next to rock crystals. It is better to store separately from other jewelry. Handle volcanic rock and products made from it carefully so as not to damage it. The fragments are very sharp, you can cut yourself with them.. You should not wear it too often - obsidian fades from contact with damp skin and the sun.
The volcanic rock appeared in ancient times during the eruption and rapid solidification of magma. Since then, black or other colored obsidian has been found near active and extinct volcanoes. Lava stone can make anyone who touches it fall in love with it. But volcanic glass must be handled with care, both as a magical object and as a decoration.
Properties of black obsidian stone for zodiac signs
Which zodiac sign is suitable for the properties of black obsidian stone? Aquarius should definitely purchase it. The mineral will strengthen their health, help them unlock their inner potential, develop their inner sense and protect themselves from enemies.
Thanks to black obsidian, Virgos become more balanced and self-confident. Virgo women manage to build personal relationships successfully and joyfully.
The properties of the black obsidian stone are also revealed to the zodiac sign Scorpio. It helps cope with stress and overwork. In addition, it makes representatives of this zodiac sign calmer.
Who is it suitable for?
Obsidian, although a semi-precious stone, is one of the strongest natural talismans. The mineral affects representatives of different zodiac signs differently.
Compatibility with different zodiac signs
Astrologers believe that the gem is not suitable for all signs, and for some of them it is even contraindicated.
Don't neglect these tips:
- Aries should wear the mineral with caution and limit their contact with it. You can use it as a temporary assistant. Under its influence, Aries can become hot-tempered and irritated; volcanic rock will only aggravate his stubbornness and pride. He best helps Aries in matters of building a career and making money.
- Taurus will find it difficult to wear this stone all the time; they usually find it difficult to get along with it. Taurus does not like change and prefers stability and constancy, which is the opposite of the essence of obsidian. Still, he will become a worthy partner if you do not use him too often.
- Gemini a sense of confidence, eliminating hesitation and doubt, and help change their life for the better. The mineral is suitable for this sign as an amulet for daily wear.
- Cancer is not recommended to use the gem. Representatives of this sign are already dominated by caution and logic; they always analyze and weigh their steps. He will strengthen these qualities, making Cancers cautious to the point of absurdity and unable to make a choice.
- Leo will get rid of excessive imbalance, making them more reasonable, and will give them peace of mind. Representatives of this sign can wear obsidian constantly.
- For Virgos, the stone can help them become more confident and arrange their personal life. But it is not recommended to use it often, since the mineral increases the suspiciousness of Virgos and plunges them too deeply into dreams.
- Libra a neutral relationship with obsidian. The stone does not work at full strength, but does not have a negative effect. Representatives of this sign usually cannot establish full contact with him.
- Scorpio to find peace of mind psychologically and gives strength to cope with difficult life circumstances. He can also become an assistant in matters related to his personal life. However, you should not get too carried away with the mineral, as it can increase Scorpio’s selfishness and narcissism.
- Sagittarius very well, stimulating mental activity in representatives of this sign. Obsidian does not have a negative effect on them.
- for Capricorns ; it enhances their positive qualities and helps get rid of negative ones, and also predisposes them to improve their lives. Representatives of this sign have good compatibility with the stone.
- Aquarians will quickly make friends with obsidian. He will become an assistant to them in business, helping to develop mystical talents and strengthening intuition.
- Pisces can use the stone on rare occasions. They are not too decisive, so it will increase their confidence, but if worn for a long time, the mineral will begin to put pressure and cause anxiety.
Caring for black obsidian stone
It is enough to sometimes wipe the obsidian with a cloth soaked in a soapy solution. Afterwards it should be rinsed. Then the shiny surface of the stone will always delight its owner.
Do not forget that this is a fragile mineral that is afraid of shock and increased temperature. Before training or putting things in order, it is better to remove jewelry with black obsidian.
Products with black obsidian have the strongest energy of fire and earth, which has both healing and magical effects. For this reason, the mineral should be used very carefully and thoughtfully to avoid possible troubles.
