Although arrows, spears, and knives made from this rock were replaced first by bronze and then by steel, the crystal is still valued. Firstly, the stone is easily polished and can be processed in skillful hands. And secondly, obsidian has properties of a different nature - magical and healing. We will talk about them in this article, and also explain who the obsidian talisman is suitable for and who is contraindicated.
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
Composition and characteristics
Obsidian stone is obtained by rapidly cooling magma ejected from a volcano crater. It contains the minerals feldspar and quartz. In appearance, the rock is similar to glass, hence the second name - volcanic.
The percentage of water in the resulting obsidian stone does not exceed 1%. Otherwise it will already be perlite. Hardness ranges from 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. Primary colors – black, brown-red, gray, brown. Density indicator - 2.55 g per cubic meter. cm.
Cooling of ejected magma occurs when it enters cold water or when the air is at low temperature. Rapid cooling leads to the formation of obsidian, which differs from crystals in its amorphous atomic lattice. This means that there is no clear melting point. When heated, the material gradually becomes soft and viscous.
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).
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.
Setting and cut
Obsidian is polished into cabochons or geometric shapes. Flat inserts are left blank or engraved, different subjects are carved into stone.
It is believed that white frames suit him aesthetically. However, ornamental obsidian is rarely given a precious frame. The best specimens are encased in 925 sterling silver. Most often it is a white or yellow jewelry alloy.
For magical purposes, silver jewelry is used (platinum and gold are not suitable).
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.
Obsidian products
Esoteric objects, as well as jewelry and amulets, are made from the volcanic mineral. Obsidian is inserted into frames and pendants made of precious metals. Beads, thimbles, necklaces, bracelets and other items are made from solid pieces of stone.
Souvenirs are especially popular in Mexico. Various figurines in the form of deities, cute angels and other things, as well as cigarette cases and lighters are bought up by tourists from different parts of the world.
Products made from obsidian have a deep shade and a bewitching appearance, allowing the owner to look respectable. In the light the stone gives off a noble shine. The cost of jewelry and other things is low, and therefore almost everyone can afford it. For example, silver-plated earrings with a gem insert will cost $50-100, and bracelets made from snow obsidian have a price tag of $100 apiece.
When purchasing jewelry and other obsidian items, it is important to be able to distinguish an original gem from a fake.
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
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.
From stone ax to souvenir
It will take a long time to describe the joint path of man and volcanic glass. Therefore, we will quickly go over the beginning of the friendship between man and stone.
Our time machine is at your service. Route: our days - Paleolithic, Stone Age - our days. Stops on request. Let's go back to the dawn of humanity, 2.5 million years ago. Then appearance did not matter, and hominids (our ancient ancestors) tried not to live, but to survive.
It was hard to survive; there were no shops or jobs with a stable salary. We had to exist according to the principle “what goes around comes around.”
To eat a fried steak, you had to first get it (when it grunted or growled).
Metal products appeared 8000 BC, but I wanted to eat long before that.
Our clever ancestors came up with stone tools. Obsidian stone was ideal for them. It is easy to make piercing and cutting tools from it to kill a mammoth or deer. Because throwing yourself bare-handed at a cave bear is dangerous to your health. Another thing is the spear.
Our ancestors highly valued the properties of obsidian. So much so that they were not content with local stones, but organized expeditions to the places where obsidian stones were mined.
For history buffs: many obsidian spearheads were discovered in the Baksan region of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. And for the stone for the tips, the Neanderthals went as far as 250 kilometers, to the Zayukinsky spring.
Later they began to make stones... no, not jewelry. Ritual items for priests who enjoyed enormous influence in the tribe. The razor-sharp edges of obsidian knives were perfect for ripping open the flesh of unfortunate victims.
The Aztec and Mayan tribes, notorious for mass sacrifice, cut out the hearts of living people with ritual obsidian knives.
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The priest or shaman decided who to sacrifice.
While men were running after mammoths, women were in secondary roles. But hunting is an unreliable business. While the men were hunting, the woman spent the whole day collecting roots, herbs, and berries. And she tried to cultivate them. Thus began the era of agriculture, and with it matriarchy. Women took power. Well, as the saying goes, “he who feeds the food, also ... calls the tune.”
- It's time for decorations. Including obsidian jewelry.
- Glyptics is the first jewelry craft of man.
- It is in the nature of a woman to decorate herself, whether she is a Neanderthal or a businesswoman of the 21st century.
- So our beads, pendants, pendants originated a very long time ago.
- And they fell in love not only with women, but also with men.
Historical fact: Mark Antony (the same lover of Cleopatra) was a prominent politician and military leader. I wanted to have the gem of Senator Nonnius to the point of madness. The senator valued the gem and did not want to part with his favorite piece of jewelry. It was within Anthony’s power to throw an unyielding senator into lifelong exile from Rome, which was done. Nonnius's career collapsed, but his beloved gem remained with him.
This is how highly valued jewelry was in the Hellenistic era.
Further - more, jewelry has become an indicator of success and wealth. So it was, so it is. Most likely it will.
And volcanic glass, which helped people survive at the dawn of mankind, now works peacefully in production and in jewelry.
This is the importance of obsidian in human development.
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.
What is volcanic glass?
There are several types of volcanic glass:
- Resin stone (pechstein) , it also has options - diabase, liparite, phonolite stones. It can be black, brown (very light or dark), green, red-brown. The shine is greasy, resinous.
- Snow obsidian . Black in color with white spots of various shapes. The most interesting specimens are covered with snowflake-like spots. It is sometimes called "peanut obsidian".
- Rainbow obsidian . It is rare and therefore valuable. When cut, it often resembles a rainbow film of gasoline. Painted in blue, reddish, greenish colors and their shades.
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The stone looks very presentable. Impenetrable depth, shine, bright color attracts the eye.
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.
