Obsidian stone was born in the very heart of planet Earth. It is of volcanic origin and is formed as a result of the solidification of lava ejected from the depths of the earth to the surface. The properties of obsidian are determined by the characteristics of its composition. The mineral, which is otherwise called silicon oxide, has an amphora structure.
The stone that volcanic lava creates is amazingly beautiful and multifaceted. It is distinguished by a very deep, rich and pronounced palette. This beautiful gemstone is often used to create jewelry. It is valued not only for its high decorative qualities, but also for its amazing healing and magical properties.
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
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).
Legendary Gift of the Volcanoes
A darker aura surrounds these stones in the Caucasus region. It was believed that it was obsidian that was used by the very first killer on Earth, Cain.
But the second version is more popular: Satan, who lost to God in the heavenly battle, broke his claws in it. In what is now known as Armenia, the Satan's stone was called "satani ekhunk", that is, "devil's claw."
American legends have a completely earthly basis. The Apache Indians, in order not to be captured by the pale-faced conquerors, chose death in the mouth of a volcano. And the tears of mothers and widows turned into stones. The stone of the dead also came to be called “tears of the Apaches.”
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.
Types of obsidian
There are several subspecies of obsidian depending on color:
- “Peanut” or “snowy”, painted in gray-white color, and “snowflakes” seem to be scattered across its surface.
- Rainbow is distinguished by unique color tints that resemble oil drops. The most valuable and expensive subspecies.
- Red obsidian.
- Green obsidian.
- Blue-blue obsidian.
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.
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
Volcanic magic
Obsidian and its magical properties were actively used by the shamans of the Aztec tribes. They are not neglected even today. This is a very strong amulet that protects against the most violent mental attacks, damage, the evil eye, even curses. Worn constantly, such a stone can protect the owner from his own bad thoughts or rash actions.
But the energy of the stone, combining the power of Uranus, Saturn and the Sun, may be excessive. Therefore, it must be used extremely carefully and not often.
Only magicians, mediums and their other “colleagues” use the properties of the stone without fear. It helps them see the future, subjugate the spirits of the elements, concentrate their will, and an obsidian knife is required in rituals or sacrifices.
They say that if you look at the mirror surface of a stone in a darkened room, you will see the future. For traveling on the astral plane, blue obsidian is considered the best companion. It also enhances telepathic abilities. Gray obsidian with a steely sheen is ideal for meditation.
Ambitious people are not the type for whom obsidian is suitable, since with it their delusions of grandeur will go off scale, and their “brakes” will fail altogether. But for soft, indecisive people, the magic of the stone will help them finally make a decision, radically changing their lives for the better. He will save you in any troubles in life, make you think clearly, logically, and not panic.
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)
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.
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.
Talismans, amulets, amulets
Amulet made of black obsidian
Volcanic glass makes its owner luckier and more attractive in the eyes of others. Interestingly, thanks to the magical properties of obsidian, the owner of the raw mineral or a product made from it also becomes more attentive and sensitive to other people. The stone seems to make it possible to move faster in spiritual development, seek and find inspiration, and receive “flashes” of insight.
According to Eastern beliefs, lava glass reveals to the wearer the secrets of his previous incarnations and helps reduce the severity of karmic “traumas”. Meditation with a stone allows you to quickly overcome existing psychological complexes and mental problems. In a number of countries, magic balls are made from volcanic rock.
Obsidian can be considered a talisman, an amulet, and a talisman. He is able to suppress aggression and relieve tension.
Married couples can wear obsidian wedding rings to maintain fidelity and harmony, romance and passion in family life. If jewelry and objects for rituals belong to psychics and magicians, then it is easier for them to “communicate” with higher powers. Obsidian also helps clairvoyants develop the ability to see the past and future.
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.
Origin
Vulcans are the parents of Satan's Claw. The rock is born during volcanic eruptions. Moreover, the very rapid rise of lava to the surface of the earth prevents the formation of crystals. The resulting rock is amorphous.
Obsidian scree at Obsidian Dome, California
Obsidian yields in Armenia
It contains feldspar, quartz and some other substances.
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.
Areas of application
Obsidian tools from Tilkitepe, Turkey, 5th millennium BC.
e. The use of the mineral is possible in various fields. However, most often it is used as an ornamental stone. Before starting to create beautiful products, the mineral is carefully polished. It acquires a smooth surface and a special shine.
The stone is often used to create inexpensive jewelry. Obsidian earrings, bracelets and beads are perfect for daily wear. They are especially suitable for dark-eyed brunettes and emphasize the natural beauty of their owner.
Black glass is also used to create interior items: bowls, glasses, vases. Obsidian rosary beads look unusual.
This amazing mineral is incredibly popular in the fields of jewelry and applied arts. Works by famous sculptors and jewelers, which contain elements of volcanic glass, can still be found in various museums around the world. Carl Faberge especially appreciated the unique properties of obsidian. He used the mineral in his works, which are now famous throughout the world.
The main area of application for obsidian is construction. It is from obsidian that perlite is obtained, a building material with excellent thermal insulation properties.
Due to the ability of obsidian powder mixed with slaked lime to harden under water, it is used as a hydraulic additive for Portland cement. It is also used as an additive to lime, as a raw material for the production of dark glass and as thermal insulation.
Obsidian blades have a smooth edge just a few nanometers thick, allowing them to be used as scalpels.