From this article you will learn:
- What types of colors does obsidian stone have?
- Can obsidian be used for medicinal purposes?
- How to turn the magical properties of obsidian stone to your benefit
- Which zodiac signs favor obsidian stone, and which do not?
- How to properly care for obsidian stone products
Obsidian is a mineral of volcanic nature, for which it is sometimes called volcanic glass. It is formed as a result of the rapid cooling of lava as it reaches the surface. The mineral received its official name in honor of the Roman warrior Obsidia, who first brought it to Rome.
Obsidian is a stone in whose magical properties people have believed for many years, making various witchcraft items and amulets from it. Currently, it has found application in jewelry, construction, and even industry. We will talk in more detail about its qualities and types in our article.
Physicochemical characteristics
Obsidian is a mineral of volcanic origin. Another name for the stone is volcanic glass.
Formula | SiO2; MgO, Fe3O4 |
Color | Black, less often brown or transparent |
Shine | Glass |
Transparency | Opaque to translucent |
Hardness | 5—6 |
Cleavage | Absent |
Kink | Large-shelled |
Density | 2.5-2.6 g/cm³ |
Mountain volcanic rock
Who should be wary of the stone?
Evil and vindictive people should be wary of obsidian. The mineraloid absorbs energy like a sponge. He will give into the world what he has accumulated.
If the owner of the stone is a person with bad intentions, bringing evil into the world, then volcanic glass will absorb negative energy. Then it will return it to its owner, bringing troubles and misfortunes. You will have to get rid of the stone.
But, once in the hands of another person, he will continue his evil deeds. Negatively charged stones need to be cleansed with fire or water, but this must be done by a dedicated magician.
Place of extraction
The extraction of the mineral is directly related to volcanic activity. In order to obtain obsidian, volcanic eruptions, both modern and ancient, are needed. Today the mineral is mined almost all over the world:
- Peru;
- Indonesia;
- Ethiopia;
- Kamchatka;
- Türkiye;
- USA;
- Caucasus;
- Mexico;
- Armenia;
- Japan;
- Ecuador;
- Iceland;
- Caucasus;
- Aeolian Islands;
- Hawaii;
- Ukraine.
It is worth mentioning separately about obsidians native to the USA and Mexico. In America, high-quality iridescent mineral is mined, and in Mexico, very rare red-brown or simply red obsidian is mined. They also find an unusual variety of this mineral, “corduroy,” which is a matte stone of several shades.
Mexican obsidian
According to one version, obsidian was named after the ancient Roman legionnaire Obsidia, who brought it from Transcarpathia (Ukraine).
Legends
In Armenia, volcanic glass is called devil's claws. The legend says that there was a time when the devil walked the Earth and did dirty deeds. Seeing this, the Almighty decided to send him to the underworld.
The earth opened up under the evil spirits, but the devil did not want to go to another world. He frantically grabbed the edge of the ground with his hands. His fingers slid, tearing off the claws that caught the roots. The overthrow was accompanied by thunder and an earthquake.
Since then, people have been finding black stones. And when a volcano erupts there are especially many of them. It is the devil who still has not given up hope of returning to Earth again, and the Lord persistently casts him into the underworld.
Varieties and colors
The magical properties and meaning of obsidian stone depend on its color. The most common minerals found in nature are:
- black;
- gray;
- Brown color.
Gray volcanic rock
Black volcanic rock
Brown volcanic rock
In addition to the main colors, you can also find:
- Red. A rare species found in Mexico.
red rock - Blue. Most popular for making jewelry.
Blue volcanic rock - Fiery. One of the most expensive minerals.
Fire volcanic rock - Leopard print, mahogany. These are reddish-brown or brown stones with black veins.
Leopard volcanic rock - Green. Favorite stone of shamans. It is believed that it allows you to tame spirits.
Green rock - Rainbow ones. This is a whole group, a subspecies of black. After polishing, stripes of different colors appear on the stones.
Rainbow rock - Snow obsidian or peanut. White or gray inclusions are scattered on the black background of the stone. Such obsidian looks impressive in jewelry.
Snow obsidian set - Labrador. A rare type of mineral. Reminds me of a drop of oil.
Volcanic rock with an interesting color name - Labradorite
This variety of colors and structures is due to the different chemical composition of the stone. During hardening, various inclusions and impurities can get into the stone, which determine its structure and shade.
Black obsidian - history of the origin of the stone, deposits
Black obsidian stone is a volcanic rock. Known as volcanic glass, the mineral is formed as lava cools on the surface. The first mention of the mineral is found in the works of Theophastus, a scientist from Ancient Greece who lived in the 3rd century BC. e.
Modern stone deposits are located in seismically active zones:
- New Zealand;
- Kamchatka;
- Caucasus;
- Iceland;
- Mexico;
- Italy;
- Japan;
- Ecuador.
The mineral was first discovered in Mesopotamia, 9000 years ago.
The name of the gem is given in honor of the ancient Greek warrior Obsidian. There are many legends about the origin of the stone:
- The ancient Egyptians considered obsidian the stone of the dead. They placed it in the graves of dead people, believing that it would help protect them in the other world from evil spirits.
- Hungarians call obsidian “luxury sapphire” because of its resemblance to a precious gem - both minerals have a very similar luster, glow and hue.
- The Americans call the stone “tears of the Apaches” - there is a legend according to which all the men from the Apache settlement, not wanting to fall under the yoke of the colonists, jumped en masse into the mouth of the volcano. On the third day, the tears of the women who mourned them hardened, turning into black shiny minerals.
- In Transcaucasia, the gem is called a fragment of Satan’s claw, which, very angry, began to spew streams of hot lava for the Earth.
The mystical characteristics of obsidian are associated, in part, with its unusual deposit in a volcanic vent.
In ancient times, obsidian was used to treat various diseases and in magic. Today it is one of the most popular ornamental stones for creating jewelry.
Obsidian is a unique mineral. It is used to make surgical scalpels, the sharpest and most environmentally friendly, with a cutting edge that is obtained at the molecular level.
Medicinal properties
Obsidian is well known in the fight against gout and diseases of the genital area. Even in ancient India, during meditation, a piece of the mineral was applied to the groin and navel area. Volcanic glass is believed to cleanse and open the sex chakra.
Jewelry with obsidian will help in treating problems associated with the gastrointestinal tract. It has a great effect on the kidneys and adrenal glands.
As already mentioned, obsidian helps to collect thoughts and calm down, so it has long been used in the treatment of nervous and mental disorders.
By wearing products with obsidian, you can strengthen the skeletal system of the body.
Beautiful beads with a snow obsidian leaf
The mineral will help people who have problems with blood pressure. He is able to both lower and increase it.
Obsidian amulets and talismans are suitable for overweight people. They remove toxins, excess salts and promote weight loss. The mineral increases the activity of its owner.
The stone has proven itself well in the treatment of colds, as well as rheumatism and arthritis. It will help people suffering from weather dependence.
Another quality of the mineral is the restoration of the skin after wounds or injuries. Currently, surgeons practice the use of obsidian scalpels. Doctors praise them for their sharpness and strength and claim that after using them, wounds heal much faster.
For relationships
Like most gems, this is a good stone for improving relationships in a couple. But you need to understand that its properties are not entirely aimed at love, but the energy is very good at helping you find the one you really want to see next to you, or solve the problems you are facing in your current relationship.
For example, it will help get rid of the negativity that surrounds a couple and everything that can separate lovers. Or it will remove bad thoughts and feelings that harm relationships. Often it is negativity that slowly eats away at the foundation of even the strongest love.
Sometimes we have habits or ways of thinking that prevent a relationship from moving forward, and black obsidian helps us become aware of these moments so that we can then free ourselves from them.
When you are blind with love, you forget about everything else. Black obsidian stone will make sure that you do not lose yourself and your sense of proportion. He will remind you of this the moment you find yourself on the edge.
The mineral will also help get rid of selfish decisions, feelings, thoughts and actions. When you let go of selfishness, you can also focus on your partner's needs and desires.
This obsidian stone is also very effective when it comes to dealing with a broken heart. It is filled with such positive energy that you will not be able to do anything other than leave the past behind and move forward.
Magic properties
Obsidian is loved by all magicians and clairvoyants. Born in the very depths of the earth, it carries the strongest energy that even an ordinary person can feel. Since ancient times, the mineral has been used for fortune telling and all kinds of predictions. Obsidian helps clairvoyants concentrate on the task at hand and protects against energy attacks.
Black obsidian pendant
Due to its ability to concentrate thoughts and clear the mind, obsidian is ideal for all students and scholars. In ancient times, writing instruments were made from volcanic glass; it was believed that it helps better concentration and finding a quick solution.
Obsidian is ideal for hot-tempered and impulsive people. The mineral is able to protect its owner from negative thoughts and actions. He will not allow aggression and sinful thoughts to break out. But he will help the soft and indecisive to take the first step and make the necessary decision.
In Transcaucasia, obsidian is a constant children's amulet. Local residents know that the mineral will protect the child from the evil eye, damage, curses and any negative influence. They also believe that such an amulet will help the child grow into a strong, purposeful and self-confident person.
The mineral is very popular among bankers, as it is believed that obsidian beads will help the owner repay any debts.
Black obsidian rosary
If a person needs to avoid attracting unnecessary attention to himself, then before going out he should put on an obsidian jewelry or pick up a rosary made from it.
It is generally accepted that the magical properties of obsidian depend on its color. Of all the colors, there are four strongest groups:
- Black. Carries the most powerful energy. Magic balls and mirrors are made from it. The ancient Sumerians made knives and blades from it for their rituals and sacrifices. Black obsidian is suitable for harmonizing the soul and body. This mineral is better suited than others for working on yourself.
- Snow. Used for meditation. Helps you collect your thoughts and calm down.
- Rainbow obsidians and amulets made from them will help to cope with problems of a love nature - to survive betrayal or unrequited love.
- Green. Suitable for people of creative professions. It will give inspiration and push you to new ideas.
Snow obsidian bracelet
For wealth
If you want to attract wealth, then black obsidian is a great option that will ward off bad luck and attract good fortune. A particularly effective combination will be with labradorite.
This talisman will drive away negativity, which prevents you from making the right decisions, confuses thoughts and incites anger. You will not allow your emotions to take over, which means you will become more rational.
If difficulties arise in implementing your plans, always carry this stone with you. It will give you the energy to move forward despite all difficulties. The obsidian mineral will help eliminate doubts about yourself and your plans, which often becomes an obstacle to success.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
Obsidian is a unique stone. It suits almost all zodiac signs, but only if the mineral is set in a silver frame. But still, the stone has its favorites and those who should take care of it.
Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
Aries | + |
Taurus | + |
Twins | + |
Cancer | — |
a lion | + |
Virgo | — |
Scales | + |
Scorpion | + |
Sagittarius | + |
Capricorn | +++ |
Aquarius | + |
Fish | + |
(“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated)
How to use obsidian in an image?
It is best to combine the mineral with silver or white gold. It is suitable for both men and women.
Maximum winning options:
- Plain jeans, T-shirts, bracelets or thin long chain pendants.
- Bright dress and earrings.
- Office suit and ring.
- A simple dress or pants, a suit and a necklace.
- Rings, cufflinks and rosaries.
Obsidian jewelry looks stylish and is inexpensive. For example, a ring costs about 1,000 rubles, a bracelet – 2,000 rubles, beads and a necklace – 3,000 rubles.
Black obsidian jewelry needs to be carefully considered. Stones are best stored in a sealed case. They should not be exposed to mechanical shock or sunlight.
Compatibility with other stones
The combination of stones is a whole science. It is known for certain that the best combinations are made of minerals belonging to the same element. Also, according to astrologers, one should not neglect the connection of stones with the signs of the zodiac and the planets that protect them. If the stones are not aligned correctly, then at best they will cancel each other out, and at worst they will create negative vibrations.
Gold ring with black obsidian and emerald
The mineral obsidian belongs to the element of Earth. His friends":
- agate;
- nephritis;
- turquoise;
- crocodile;
- onyx;
- malachite;
- emerald;
- aventurine;
- jasper;
- amber;
- jet.
Of its group of Earth stones, obsidian is unique in that it “feels” well next to Fire minerals. This is due to the origin of the stone - it was born from fire. It will make a good pair:
- with pomegranate;
- topaz;
- tiger eye;
- carnelian;
- red agate;
- onyx;
- hematitis;
- red tourmaline;
- diamond.
Obsidian goes well with rock crystal. Their duet is most often used in meditation for enhanced cleansing and charging of the sex chakra. Together they are able to level out a person’s energy.
Vintage set – ring and earrings made of silver and black obsidian
According to the research of Pavel Globa, obsidian should never be combined with ruby.
Talismans and amulets
Due to its unique human-supporting capabilities, protective objects made of obsidian were created everywhere. Representatives of various professions noted interesting changes in their behavior and mood. Thus, writers were able to formulate ideas more accurately, and pioneers received amulets to protect them from bad weather and natural disasters.
Today, snow obsidian is used as a material for key chains and jewelry boxes. People who work with money like rosary beads - there is an opinion that this is how finances are attracted, and debts are repaid on time or earlier.
Compatibility with other stones
The characteristics of the stone allow it to be worn and placed next to individual stones and products from the same element. Before use, you should make sure of compatibility - otherwise the vibrations of the stones will extinguish each other’s positive influences or begin to generate negative energy.
Research shows that obsidian is valuable in proximity to other materials from the Earth element: onyx, jade, turquoise, emerald, agate, jasper, amber and malachite.
Obsidian (especially black) is unique in that it produces increased energy when adjacent to stones belonging to the element of Fire. The reason lies in its natural volcanic origin. Various studies show that the best pairings are topaz, carnelian, garnet, hematite, tiger's eye, tourmaline and diamond.
The mineral combines well with crystal (especially snow obsidian), they improve the functioning of the sex chakra, but it behaves sharply negatively when next to ruby.
Who is not recommended to wear obsidian?
There are no specific descriptions or signs. Interestingly, the stone itself lets you know whether the future owner liked it.
If, when you hold it in your hands for the first time and close your eyes, you feel something unkind, it is better not to deal with obsidian.
On the contrary, if nothing happened or life became a little easier, the mineral is definitely suitable. It may become warmer in your hands or head - the pebble has clearly “recognized” its owner.
It is definitely not suitable for those who are not interested in risk. Giving strength for action, he is “tuned” to move forward and in a new way. Businessmen and psychics are the first category of its owners.
How to wear and care
The main thing to remember is that obsidian is fragile, it is volcanic glass. It is fragile and can break when dropped, crumbling into very sharp fragments. If this happens, it is not recommended to pick up the stone with your bare hands.
Due to its nature, the product requires very careful care:
- storage is optimal in soft fabric, away from other jewelry;
- the mineral is afraid of water - with prolonged contact with it, color loss begins, so it makes sense to remove jewelry when washing hands or dishes (when cleaning with household chemicals, it is even easier to spoil the stone);
- color is also lost if the product is illuminated by direct sunlight: the saturation and brightness of the color subside imperceptibly, so it is not recommended to wear it during the day;
- any type of obsidian should be worn carefully and avoid any impacts.
The product should be cleaned regularly (at least once a month). To do this you will need clean water and a napkin. The stone needs to be wetted a little and wiped with a napkin. Dust is removed, stains are erased - the stone must remain dry.
The key to preserving the pattern of the stone and the brightness of the colors is to be careful. It is most useful to wear it in a frame made of silver or copper, or together with them.
Interesting read
8 healing properties of a cat's eye: to whom will the stone give good health?
Where is it used
The properties of obsidian contribute to its wide use in various fields.
As already mentioned, surgical instruments are made from volcanic glass. They are more durable and sharp than metal ones. The ancient Mayans made their weapons and piercing tools from obsidian.
The mineral is used as a raw material for the production of dark glass.
Thanks to the magical properties of the stone, magic balls and mirrors for fortune telling are made from it. It helps to see the future and subjugate the spirits of the elements.
Jewelry made from the mineral is very popular. Manufactured by:
- rings;
- bracelets;
- beads;
- earrings.
Fabergé introduced the fashion for obsidian in jewelry, including the stone in his famous works.
Casket
The magical characteristics of obsidian are used in the manufacture of amulets and talismans.
Writing materials. In addition to looking beautiful, such things help you concentrate.
Separately, it is worth highlighting the rosary made from this stone. They are used for meditation and concentration.
Wearable icons. Obsidian is one of those rare stones on which it is officially permitted to paint the faces of saints and write prayers.
Volcanic glass figures will allow you to protect your home from bad people and negative energy.
Price
The gem is an inexpensive ornamental stone, so its cost is low - from 50 rubles per kilogram. “Rainbow” is valued more highly, as it is one of the rare species found in nature.
Depending on the deposit and processing of the mineral, the price per gram ranges from 500 to 700 rubles. There is another very rare type of stone - Chilean green obsidian, which is more expensive than diamond.
How to spot a fake
Obsidian is rarely counterfeited. This is due to the fact that the stone itself is not expensive. Most often, smoky quartz and black-painted glass are passed off as volcanic glass.
Smoky quartz, sometimes passed off as obsidian
In the first case, you can understand that this is a fake by the uneven distribution of color. The mineral is characterized by the same color over the entire area of the stone with possible inclusions.
Natural stones have a matte color and a characteristic shine. To find out whether it is stone or painted glass, you can use two methods:
- Squeeze the mineral in your fist. Any stone will take a long time to heat up. It is enough to hold the supposed obsidian in your fist for 1 minute, during which time the glass will become warm, but the mineral will not.
- For this method, you need to put half the stone in a glass of water for a while, and then simply compare the 2 halves. For a natural mineral they will remain identical, but if it is fake, the half that was in the water will fade and lose its shine.
Wearing option
In order for certain properties of black obsidian to be more effective, it is worth choosing different options:
- Egg or sphere - for effective meditation and introspection.
- Earrings - will help to concentrate and get rid of fears.
- Necklace, bracelets, rings - curbing the negativity within yourself.
But this does not mean that if you bought earrings, they will not serve as figurines. It’s just that the effect will not be as strong as that of objects sharpened for this purpose.
Combination with other minerals
Now let's talk about which stones will not clash with black obsidian. It is best combined with:
- Rose quartz, aventurine - for those who want to bring bright emotions into their lives.
- Smoky quartz, black tourmaline, hematite - all areas will become more rational and organized.
- Labradorite - attracting success.
How to wear and care
Volcanic glass jewelry should be worn with care. It is best to wear volcanic glass jewelry only on special occasions. Prolonged contact with the mineral will have a bad effect on the condition of the kidneys and will deprive its owner of determination. With constant contact with a person, the stone will deprive him of his willpower and completely subjugate him.
Volcanic rock ring
You need to be especially careful with black obsidian. Its energy is associated with spirits. It is believed that it concentrates the energy of death.
Until now, in some European countries, according to the rules of decency, black obsidian is worn only at funerals.
Product care
Obsidian is a fragile stone. Therefore, proper care of products made from this mineral is necessary.
- It is advisable to store the mineral in a separate box or bag so as not to scratch it.
- Like many other stones, obsidians do not like sudden changes in temperature and prolonged exposure to the sun or water.
- To clean jewelry, it is advisable to use a mild soap solution or purchase a special product. After cleaning, the mineral should be gently wiped with a soft cloth.
- If volcanic glass is used as an amulet or talisman, then periodically it is necessary to place the stone under running water for 10–15 minutes. This procedure will help remove all the negativity that the mineral has managed to take on. It is advisable to clean the stone once every 1–1.5 months
Snow volcanic rock bracelet
With proper care, the stone can be used for many years. For example, arrowheads made of obsidian have been discovered that are more than 6,000 years old.
Interesting facts about the stone
The obsidian “Mirror of the Incas” was sent from the New World by conquistador Hernando Cortez in the mid-16th century. Currently kept in the Paris National Museum of Natural History.
It is officially permitted to write prayers and depict the faces of saints on this volcanic rock. Thin obsidian plates in the form of a pendant with the “Guardian Angel” prayer are widespread throughout the world. They are used as powerful protective amulets against any negative influence.
The Cairo Museum houses a pectoral (symbol of the power of the pharaoh) from the tomb of Tutankhamun. The product is made in the form of a vulture with outstretched wings. The feathers are gold plates decorated with turquoise, lapis lazuli, red jasper and obsidian.
This gem can also be seen in many Faberge jewelry. For example, an obsidian dove with gold legs and diamond eyes, created around 1900, the height of the product is 4 cm. Sold at Sotheby's in 2008 for $61.3 thousand.