From this article you will learn:
- Where was obsidian stone first discovered?
- What types of obsidian are there?
- What healing and magical properties does obsidian stone have?
- How much does obsidian cost?
- How to care for it
Obsidian stone is nothing more than frozen volcanic glass. It looks quite unusual and can be of different colors: black, gray or brown. In old times, this mineral was highly valued by people. And it had many names among different nationalities. Today we will talk in more detail about obsidian: the characteristics of the stone and its origin, magical properties and much more.
Main characteristics of obsidian stone
Obsidian does not boast a variety of chemical elements. From 66 to 72% is silica. The stone also contains oxides of alkalis, alkaline elements of the earth.
Other characteristics of the mineral are as follows:
- 5.0–6.0 – hardness on the Mohs scale.
- Density coefficient – 2.3 g/cm3.
- Has an amorphous structure.
- The fracture of the mineral is conchoidal, the edges are sharp and cutting.
- Shines like glass products.
- Obsidian stone can be cut and polished.
The mineral is mined in many places around the world. In particular:
- USA;
- Mexico;
- Saxony.
In countries where the volcanic activity of the rock is high, entire deposits of this mineral are developed. This is, for example:
- Ethiopia;
- Japan;
- Ecuador;
- Türkiye;
- Armenia;
- Iceland;
- Aeolian Islands.
If we talk about Russia, our obsidian deposits are located mostly in Siberia.
Kinds
Obsidian in nature has a variety of colors, but the most common is black. It is formed due to accumulations of magnetite in the mineral. Multi-colored inclusions allow obsidian to have attractive external features. Because of them, mineralogists conditionally divided the gem into groups:
- rainbow;
- peanut;
- snowy.
The main color of the stone is the dark shade of the night sky. In the rainbow form of the mineral, the colors of the rainbow are visible: blue, indigo, red, green, etc. If you carefully examine the sample, you can detect all the shades. Another feature of the group is the coloring on the fault. It is similar to an oil drop in its glow and shine.
Obsidian stones from the peanut group are shaped like the nut of the same name. The appearance also contains specks of a characteristic shade.
Snow obsidian is distinguished by white spots in the shape of snowflakes; they look unusual and effectively decorate the mineral.
What healing properties does obsidian stone have?
The special significance of obsidian stone for humans lies not only in its magical properties, but also in its healing properties.
- The mineral can help get rid of colds that were caused by hypothermia. It is also useful for other ailments that are the result of a person staying in the cold for too long. Some associate this ability of the stone with its volcanic origin.
- Lithotherapists agree that obsidian has a good effect on the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. If you wear jewelry made from this stone, it can relieve a person from heartburn or digestive problems.
- Obsidian stone is able to neutralize pressure changes. And it doesn’t matter whether a person’s level is low or high.
- Helps well with rheumatism and diseases of the spine. A person suffering from these ailments is recommended to wear obsidian jewelry.
- The same advice can be given to those who have problems with the genitourinary system. The mineral in this case will help both men and women.
- If a person has neurosis, he should often hold obsidian (black or rainbow) in his hands and look at it. The stone emits smooth, powerful energy, which helps a person come to his senses and restore calm.
The properties of obsidian stone are not very suitable for those who suffer from kidney diseases. The mineral can disrupt the energy balance of these organs, and therefore people experiencing these problems should wear it with caution.
By the way, obsidian is used not only in alternative medicine. Based on this mineral, many surgical instruments are created, which are subsequently used in operations. According to many patients, the body recovers better after such operations, and wounds heal faster.
Scope of application
Obsidian is an ornamental stone. How much jewelry with it costs becomes clear if you pay attention to the cost of 1 gram of material. It is suitable for the production of low-cost products. Before manufacturing, the sample is polished and then inserted into bracelets, rings and pendants. The mineral is used to make rosaries and decorative items: glasses, figurines, knives.
In jewelry and applied arts, the significance of the stone is quite significant. At exhibitions in museums you can find works of ancient masters. Fabergé had a love for obsidian, using the mineral to bring famous works to life.
The largest part of the mined obsidian stone goes to the construction industry. There, it is used to produce perlite, a popular material with thermal insulation properties.
Obsidian stone and its magical properties
A person who constantly wears obsidian jewelry is completely protected from bad thoughts and actions. The acuity of thinking in such people is increased, they easily relieve stress.
Obsidian is included in the list of the most powerful stones; it is able to protect the owner from damage and even curses. But you need to treat the stone with extreme caution. It carries the power of the Sun, Saturn and Uranus, which not every person is able to accept.
Who is suitable for the magical properties of obsidian stone? First of all, gentle people. It makes their spirit stronger and gives them the necessary amount of energy for creativity. If a person, on the contrary, is ambitious, then it is better not to choose obsidian as a talisman. This stone can give such people the illusion of omnipotence, which, in turn, can provoke the commission of risky actions.
Obsidian stone develops the gift of clairvoyance, which is why it is so loved by mediums and magicians. This mineral also helps in concentration and allows you to subjugate elemental spirits to your will.
A person who wears obsidian as an amulet is not afraid of the most difficult trials in life. He is capable of making the right decisions in difficult situations, and can also change his life for the better without hesitation. If you are one of those who are afraid of change, have difficulty imagining moving or changing activities, you should get such a talisman. Obsidian stone will allow you to free yourself from fears and unnecessary worries.
Another useful property of obsidian is the ability to relieve its owner from the too intrusive attention of others. If you want to become invisible to everyone, just wear jewelry with this stone or pick up an obsidian rosary. There is an opinion that a person wearing an amulet made of volcanic glass will always repay his debts. That is why it is so popular among bankers.
Obsidian stone does not have to be worn as jewelry. For protection, an obsidian pyramid in your bag or on the table will be enough. It is the pyramidal shape that contributes to the rapid accumulation of cosmic energy by obsidian, and there will be more of it than in stones of any other configuration.
Volcano energy
So, obsidian was born in the very heart of our planet - it is magmatic glass, a mineral of volcanic origin, which has a very deep, pronounced and rich palette.
According to ancient legend, obsidian was brought to Western Europe by the Roman legionnaire Obsidius, who miraculously survived a terrible battle.
Since then, the stone has gained fame as a saving amulet and has become widespread. The famous seer Vanga said that obsidians are the black-scorched wings of an angel saving people from the fire of the underground Hell.
- For many centuries, it has been officially allowed to depict the faces of saints and apply prayers from this volcanic mountain rock - and this is very rare.
- Thin plates-pendants with the prayer “Guardian Angel” have become widespread throughout the world - they are powerful protectors from any negative impact.
- Numerous legends tell about miraculous obsidian amulets that protect a person from sins and committing bad deeds.
- The stone repels bad people from its owner and eliminates negative thoughts.
Magic balls are made from obsidian, which are simply mystically beautiful - the surface of the mineral shimmers and mesmerizes, especially when the stone is turned in different directions. Mysterious images reflected on the glassy surface of the ball seem to float away into nowhere as it rotates.
And they are replaced by more and more new faces and figures, like unpredictable turns of human destiny. Experienced magicians use obsidian balls when performing magical rituals and fortune telling: in the twilight of burning candles, they rotate them clockwise, carefully observing the images that arise, unraveling their meanings.
Which zodiac sign is suitable for obsidian stone?
- If you are an Aries , then you are not recommended to wear obsidian products on a regular basis. Let this stone help you from time to time. Otherwise, you may develop short temper and irritability, and the stone will only strengthen stubbornness and pride, if any. Aries is best able to resolve money and career issues with the help of obsidian.
- for Taurus to constantly have this stone with them. In the matter of determination, obsidian and representatives of this zodiac sign agree, but there are contradictions in another area. Taurus hates change, they prefer stability, and this does not fit in with the essence of obsidian. But if the stone is used only occasionally, it can become a good helper.
- Gemini gets confidence from the obsidian stone. They get rid of indecision and change their lives for the better. You can wear the stone constantly.
- for Cancers . People born under this sign are distinguished by caution and logic; they are accustomed to weighing every step they take. The stone will only enhance these character traits. And being cautious to the point of absurdity and not knowing what choice to make—who would want that?
- Leos who have an obsidian talisman become more reasonable and less hot-tempered. A stone that can be worn constantly gives these people peace of mind and allows them to concentrate.
- The stone can help Virgos become more self-confident and improve their personal lives. But constant contact with obsidian can make these people vindictive and plunge them into dreams. Therefore, caution is needed here.
- towards Libra : it will not harm, but it will not help in full force. There will be no deep contact here.
- Scorpios psychological peace and relieve stress. Will help in your personal life. But you shouldn’t wear the stone all the time, otherwise you can become too selfish and narcissistic.
- For Sagittarius, obsidian stone stimulates mental activity. As a rule, there is no negative impact.
- For Capricorns , the stone enhances positive qualities while helping to get rid of negative ones. Directs life for the better. Capricorns are one of those signs that obsidian stone is perfect for.
- The friendship of Aquarius with obsidian is inevitable. The stone will help these people discover their mystical talents, make their intuition sharper and help them in almost any endeavor.
- to Pisces who are not too confident . But if you wear it for a long time, it will cause anxiety and a feeling of pressure.
Physico-chemical description
Obsidian is solidified volcanic glass. Or, in other words, glassy rock of igneous origin, consisting mainly of silicic acid lava.
Properties of obsidian:
- the chemical composition includes 70–75% silica SiO2, 25–30% total magnesium oxide MgO and magnetite Fe3O4; there is no water in the content;
- average hardness – 5-6 according to Mohs;
- high density – 2.5-2.6 g/cm3;
- great fragility;
- glassy luster with iridescence;
- dense, amorphous, non-crystalline structure;
- translucent, occasionally transparent;
- The color is dark due to the magnetite content: black-resin, red-brown, greenish or grayish. There are stones with striped colors, indicating the direction of lava flow, as well as with streamy, spotted ones.
Color
The color of the stone due to the smallest particles of magnetite is mainly black, but, depending on the hardening conditions and chemical composition, there are also red-terracotta, brown, green, gray and other varieties, including alternating colors that are similar to decorative marble, which makes the mineral attractive for jewelry processing.
Its texture can also be heterogeneous - striped, streamy or spotted, and when polished and polished, a silvery-pearl luster or golden reflexes appear, giving the stone a more refined and noble appearance.
How much does obsidian stone cost?
Prices for obsidian stone vary depending on the size of the mineral, its variety, shape and cut. The complexity of the product also plays a role.
- If the stone is miniature, its shape is irregular, you can spend from 100 to 700 rubles. The same applies to cabochons and pendants several centimeters in size. We are talking here about snow obsidians, peanuts and regular black ones.
- Bracelets are sold for 800–2000 rubles if the product is made of only one mineral, without interspersing other stones or adding metals.
- Not too large beads cost from 1000 to 1500 rubles. The price directly depends on the diameter of the beads and the length of the product.
- Small spheres can be bought for 800–1000 rubles.
- Earrings and rings usually require a metal setting. If it is silver, then their price will be from 2500 rubles.
In fact, obsidian is not very expensive, this applies to both regular black and snow and peanut minerals. But if you want to purchase a rarer subtype of stone - rainbow, then it will cost you a little more.
Often in stores, instead of natural obsidian stone, they sell ordinary painted glass. To avoid buying a fake, remember the following:
- Real obsidian has a rich color and a shiny surface.
- Natural stone retains temperature. Holding it in your hand, you should feel the cold for a long time.
- Natural minerals are rarely monochromatic. There are usually inclusions of other colors and patterns in the stones.
- Keep part of the stone in water. The fake will change in appearance, its shine will disappear and the tone will change.
- If you recognize the signs of obsidian varieties in advance, it will not be difficult to understand whether you are holding an original or a fake.
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How to spot a fake
Obsidian is inexpensive and is rarely counterfeited. Lava stone is usually replaced with cheaper smoky quartz or regular black glass.
Ways to detect a fake:
- Uneven coloring. A real volcanic mineral is colored evenly, and inclusions in colored varieties are distributed similarly.
- High thermal conductivity. The glass heats up quickly in your hand, a minute is enough for it to become warm. Natural stone remains cool for a long time.
- Color change. The product must be half immersed in water. If the color of both parts remains the same, then the mineral is real. If the part immersed in water fades, then it is a fake.
Legends about the origin of the magical talisman
Every nation has a story about the appearance of a mineral on the surface of the planet. For example, the peoples of Transcaucasia believe that when Satan became angry, lava began to erupt onto the earth from the fiery depths of hell.
She helped keep people in fear and fear. It seemed to them that the devil himself wanted to break free. But he didn’t succeed, and all the marks that he left after his anger are fragments of claws.
According to the beliefs of the American people, obsidian mineral stones represent the tears of women with which they mourned the great loss of their husbands. This tragedy occurred because their husbands did not want to become slaves of the colonists, and as a result they rushed into the mouth of the volcano to certain death. And the wives’ tears turned into sad black ingots, the colors of death and parting.
And in Egypt, this mineral was considered the stone of the dead and was always placed next to dead bodies during burial.
In fact, the history of the origin of the mineral is as follows. Obsidian is a mineral formed from igneous rock, which, when solidified, turns into those same ingots of grief and parting the color of the dark sky. In fact, it is a type of volcanic glass.
The name of this mineral comes from the Greek “obsis”, which means “spectacle”. Since in ancient times this breed was used to make mirrors. Of course, there is another legend about the distribution of the mineral among people.
Allegedly, the Roman warrior Obsidia liked the look of this stone so much that he brought it with him to Rome. Since then he was named after Obsidia. In any case, the beauty of the appearance of this magical stone fascinates the soul and fills it with unknown energy.
Product care
This gem is fragile, so it needs careful care. If you have such a stone, then be sure to follow the rules that are prescribed for caring for it.
This product should be stored at a great distance from other jewelry and should preferably be placed in a case with soft sides.
It should not be exposed to sunlight for a long time. Do not allow it to fall, and also protect it from impacts. Volcanic glass should not be left in water for long periods of time. Because of this, the breed will lose its pristine beauty.
The owner should clean the stone with sanitary napkins and lightly rinse it in soapy water. Under no circumstances should it be cleaned with aggressive chemicals.
Where is this rock mined?
Volcanic glass deposits can be found in areas of active and already extinct volcanoes. For example, this mineral is very abundant in Ethiopia, Turkey, and the United States of America. The most valuable and unusually beautiful samples of the mineral are mined in California, in the Mississippi River.
Stone from this state is prized because it is less transparent than its counterparts in other countries. In Russia, deposits of the mineral can be found in Transcaucasia, Siberia or the Khabarovsk Territory. The largest deposits are located in Mexico.