Obsidian - volcanic glass or stone of change

• What: Ornamental;
• Deposits: Mexico, Ecuador, Iceland, Japan, Ethiopia, Armenia, Turkey, Russia (Kamchatka, Caucasus, Kuril Islands, Siberia);
• Colors: Light grey, grey, reddish-brown, brown, yellow, black;
• Mohs hardness: 5-6;
• Transparency: Opaque to translucent;
• Density: 2.6 g/cm³;
• Formula: SiO2;
• Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign: Everyone except Cancers and Virgos;
• How much does it cost: from 50 rubles.

Obsidian stone attracts the eye with its extraordinary beauty. Mother Nature herself endowed volcanic glass with unique properties, and the universe gave it enormous power.

Even in the ancient world, it enjoyed great popularity, which has remained to this day.

There are legends about him. Its magical properties are valued by people with superpowers, and jewelry made from this unusual stone is in demand even among the most exalted and stylish beauties.

Where did this beautiful creation of nature come from? What is its origin?

Origin story

A merciless volcano has awakened! Streams of lava rushed towards a small Armenian village, sweeping away everything in its path.

People ran to a small rural chapel to hide from the fury of the elements and pray to God for salvation from the devil, who hated Armenia because the country was one of the first to heed the Christian religion.

A beautiful Angel, the messenger of the Lord, came to save the inhabitants of the village from the wrath of dark forces, but splashes of merciless lava fell on the wings of Seraphim, scorching them. The feathers scattered into small pieces, turning into black stones sparkling with the bright colors of the rainbow.

Good and evil, ice and fire, love and death - all this contains the unique mineral Obsidian, which by origin is frozen volcanic glass.

The name of the gem comes from the Roman warrior Obsidia, who, according to legend, brought it to Europe from Ethiopia.

Obsidian is a semi-precious stone that has all the power of the cosmos.

Interesting facts about obsidian

The gem is firmly attached to men bearing the name Ilya. It is to them that the nugget gives maximum energy and vitality and helps them withstand difficult situations. The stone also makes good friends with Maxims, Dashas, ​​Natashas and Tatyanas. He doesn't allow them to make rash decisions.

Since ancient times, a mirror made of obsidian was recognized as belonging to witches. It showed the past and future, so it was used by magicians. People believe that such a mirror is an astral portal that allows you to move through parallel worlds.

There is an interesting legend about the origin of the stone. When lava flows began to flood the Armenian village, people hid in a small chapel, trying to escape the elements. They prayed, calling on God for help against the devil, who was seeking to destroy Armenia for its choice in favor of the Christian religion. God's messenger in the form of a Beautiful Angel descended to earth to save the inhabitants of the village, but splashes of volcanic lava scorched the wings of Seraphim. The feathers from them scattered everywhere, becoming black pebbles that sparkled like a rainbow.

Meaning of the stone

In the Caucasus, obsidian was considered the creation of the devil and was called “fragments of the bones of Satan,” and the American Indians called it “tears of the Apaches.”

According to an ancient legend, when Indian women mourned their men who died during battles and battles, the tears froze, forming amazingly beautiful stones.

In Ancient Egypt it was read that black obsidian is the stone of the dead. It was customary to place it in burials so that the deceased could rest peacefully in the other world.

Obsidian has the powers of three planets: Saturn, Pluto and the Sun. Its element is Earth.

The gem is also called the savior. It protects its owners from dark magical influences, bad love, as well as from sinful thoughts and deeds. Talismans and amulets with obsidian are very popular.

Energy of the stone

It has been used in various rituals since ancient times. Due to the fact that it helped with meditation, it promoted impartiality and internal concentration. Therefore, even then the name “stone of monks” was assigned to it. The special vibrations of obsidian help restore internal boundaries and feel protected. Such vibrations help create a space of isolation and inner silence in order to freely engage in self-development.

Thanks to the inclusions of cristobalite, which give the stone its appearance, it is believed that it combines the energy of opposites. The properties of the mineral give it the opportunity to balance “yin” and “yang” both in the physical and energetic sense.

When used regularly, obsidian jewelry helps eliminate destructive behavior. Helps reduce the number of mistakes made. Helps a person not to do anything stupid and build his life more stable without frequent ups and downs. The analysis that obsidian pushes people towards helps to implement new behavior patterns in order to significantly change it for the better.

Experts recommend purchasing beads made from snow obsidian, since when worn for a long time they can saturate the body with useful energy. It cleanses, soothes and helps you relax.

It works this way: the stone creates vibration bubbles around potentially dangerous atoms and molecules. In a normal state, the body is able to recognize and destroy such molecules itself, but in case of serious violations, when all its resources are aimed at fighting a serious enemy, for example, in case of a severe illness, the system fails. It is in this case that a stone can help.

When the required molecule is identified and marked to the stones for removal, it is enclosed in a specific energy vial. These energy bubbles treat entire areas of the body and help eliminate toxins or negative energy. They help the body recognize harmful molecules, and the body's defense system comes into play.

Snow obsidian pendant

Therefore, many lithotherapists recommend drinking a lot of clean water while wearing the stone, as it promotes the release of harmful substances from the body.

Physical properties

Obsidian contains 75% silicon oxide SiO2, 25% magnesium oxide MgO and iron oxide Fe3O4.

The gem has the following physical properties:

• hardness on the Mohs scale – 5-6;
• density – 2.6 g/cm³;
• glassy sheen with iridescence;
• high fragility;
• dense non-crystalline structure;
• translucency.

Physicochemical characteristics

Unlike rauchtopaz and morion, obsidian has an amorphous structure. The stripes on the samples show the direction of lava movement. The composition of the gem is oxidized silicon. Transparent obsidian does not exist in nature; sometimes only the thinnest plates are found.

The mineral is fragile, so it must be handled responsibly. It must be protected from mechanical stress and heat. It is easy to polish and looks like glass.

Varieties and colors

Black

Peanut

Rainbow

Snow
The color of the mineral is mostly black, with streaks. There is brown obsidian, as well as grayish or greenish. The color of the stone depends on the content of magnesium oxide and iron oxide in it.

Depending on the color and pattern, the stone has several varieties:

• black obsidian;
• peanut mineral;
• rainbow gem with green, red, blue and other tints;
• snowy, the most beautiful, with the effect of scattered snowflakes, due to the white-gray inclusions of cristobalite.

Magic properties

Obsidian has powerful magical and energetic properties. He is able to reveal the true essence of all things, help find the right solution to any, even the most confusing situation, and bring to light all the deep and suppressed feelings and emotions.

The gem is a great healer of both the mind and soul, causing people to remember their past incarnations.

The power of the universe itself allows the owner of the stone to reveal all the secrets of the universe.

Obsidian talismans promote spiritual development, clarify the mind, help its owner see the true reality of the world around him, and develop love and compassion for his own kind.

With its help, people can realize everything negative that is in them, harmonize their state of mind, overcome all their fears and worries, and become more self-confident.

Magicians and mediums have long used a mysterious stone that helps them communicate with the spirits of the elements. The mineral helps to reveal clairvoyance and superpowers.

Properties

Obsidian is a very fragile mineral and has low wear resistance. It may crumble due to a strong impact or temperature changes. Despite its fragility, the gem has a number of useful properties.

Physical

Obsidian is formed from flowing molten rocks as a result of their rapid cooling. The composition is perlite, only with a much lower water content - only 1%. May contain inclusions of quartz, feldspars, and dark-colored minerals.

Chemical formula - SiO2 - glass-forming oxide with an acidic content. Contains silicate glass - from 80% or more. Does not conduct electric current. By the stripes on the stone you can determine in which direction the magma flow was directed.

The mineral has the following physical properties:

1. Specific gravity: 2.21-2.41 g/cm3.
2. Hardness: 5-6 on the Mohs scale.
3. Structure: the stone has a dense, glassy structure.
4. Texture: foamy or chunky.
5. The fracture is conchoidal.
6. They come in different shades: from red-brown to black, and there are solid, spotted and striped varieties.
7. They have a glassy sheen.

Medicinal

Since ancient times, there has been a belief that an obsidian amulet helps to avoid diseases. People believed that its healing properties contributed to the rapid healing of wounds. Many believed that the mineral renews and heals organs at the cellular level.

Obsidian can have a positive effect on the body:

1. Cures colds.
2. Helps with rheumatism.
3. Useful for neuroses, as well as mental and nervous disorders.
4. Positively affects the gastrointestinal tract.
5. Helps in the fight against gout.
6. Normalizes blood pressure and strengthens the immune system.
7. Stimulates the functioning of the adrenal glands and kidneys.
8. Treats diseases of female and male genital organs.
9. Used against inflammation, infections and bacteria.
10. Improves metabolism.
11. Helps with eye diseases and restores vision.

However, lithotherapy experts warn that you should not get too carried away with the gem, because it can have not only beneficial effects, but also negatively affect the body. The mineral is energetically connected to the kidneys and adrenal glands, therefore it primarily affects these organs, reducing their energy.

Obsidian stone: magical properties

Since ancient times, people have known the mystical properties of this volcanic rock. They believed in his unusual strength and power. Historians claim that many peoples in different parts of the world performed various religious ceremonies with the help of obsidian. His element is Earth.

The gem is sometimes called the “savior” because it protects its owners from dark forces, bad influences, and also from sinful thoughts. Talismans and amulets made from it are in great demand.

The magical effect of the mineral:

1. Since ancient times, mediums and sorcerers have used it to communicate with the spirits of nature and the elements. It gives a person superpowers, such as clairvoyance. Magic glass balls are made from it, which are used for fortune telling by most practicing magicians. Talismans and amulets made from the mineral protect sorcerers from energy attacks from the other world and make them stronger.
2. One of the main magical properties of obsidian stone is to protect its owner from the negativity that is present in him. Its volcanic power helps fight aggression and negative emotions. It relieves stress and increases mental acuity.
3. The mineral helps you pass the most difficult tests in life and make the right decisions in difficult situations. It is especially suitable for soft and indecisive people, stimulating their initiative, charging them with energy and desire to change their lives.
4. You should refrain from buying such jewelry and talismans for those who have stability in their lives, are happy with everything and have no desire to change anything radically.
5. The gem can be used as a talisman to protect against negativity and various troubles. It will reflect the bad intentions of others. People who assume that they have ill-wishers can try carrying it with them.

Medicinal properties

Obsidian is widely used by lithotherapists. The healing properties of the mineral are no less unique than the magical ones.

It is capable of healing many ailments such as:

• rheumatism;
• nervous and mental illnesses;
• kidney and gastrointestinal diseases;
• sexual disorders in women and men;
• gynecological problems.

The stone perfectly fights colds, improves immunity, and also stabilizes blood pressure.

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?

Obsidian is most suitable for Capricorn. This zodiac sign, under the influence of the mineral, can change their life for the better, getting rid of the negative traits of their character.

Aries to curb their difficult temperament, making them calmer and more insightful.

Bracelets with snow obsidian

Leo and Sagittarius under its wing. It is also good for Aquarius, Gemini and Scorpio, but for Cancers and Virgos this stone is absolutely contraindicated, as it causes them aggression and irritability.

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

The mineral is popular among bankers because it allows them to avoid unnecessary attention from others.

Obsidian is a talisman for creative people, writers, artists, inventors, to whom it gives inspiration and many creative ideas.

It protects military personnel and travelers from danger.

Also, obsidian helps flight attendants, pilots and captains, making them fearless and resilient. Obsidian amulets have a beneficial effect on people suffering from mental disorders.

Charms with stones will protect against fires and lightning, and will also bring good luck in money and love affairs.

Obsidian is an excellent protector against damage, the evil eye, curses and the influence of dark forces. It will cleanse its owner from “dirty” energies and the negative influence of others, and will also return joy to life to those who have lost hope for a bright future.

Obsidian for women

Women can wear a talisman in the form of any decoration; a mineral of any color is suitable. Obsidian gives charm and helps reveal femininity.

As a healing agent, obsidian helps alleviate pathologies of the reproductive and urinary systems. As a talisman, conductors and flight attendants take the stone with them on their journey to protect them from emergencies and dangers.

Recommendation! A mother should buy a volcanic stone against damage and the evil eye for a small child. But a children's talisman must include malachite, jade or rock crystal.

Decorations

The gem is in demand in jewelry. The stone is considered an ornamental stone and is used to make various jewelry, especially bracelets and necklaces.

Obsidian looks best in silver. It is rarely framed in gold. This metal unfavorably sets off the natural beauty of volcanic glass, and also causes cracks and chips on it.

The mineral is often found in men's rings and rings. Such a product will add courage and nobility to the representatives of the stronger sex.

Jewelers often debate whether obsidian should be considered a precious gem or a semi-precious one. Jewelry made from it, although inexpensive, looks quite elegant.

No fashionista will refuse a ring or pendant made of obsidian.

Mining and stone processing

Obsidian is widespread, the stone is mined in the following areas:

• Japan;
• Mexico;
• Ecuador;
• USA;
• New Zealand;
• Russia.

Armenia supplies the highest quality and purest mineral, highly valued among jewelers.

Unprocessed obsidian is unsuitable for use in the jewelry industry, but can be purchased by rare collectors.

Processing of the gem begins with washing the extracted samples from dirt and cutting them into pieces of the required size. Next, soft roughing is performed with a diamond tool, the stone is moistened with water so that it does not burst. It is important to choose the right abrasive - too coarse will make the surface uneven, tearing out parts of the stone, causing chips and cracks.

The next stage is fine grinding, also with water. The final treatment is polishing with diamond paste to a mirror finish. Upon completion of all procedures, holes are drilled in the resulting elements intended for pendants, necklaces, and beads.

Difficulties in processing due to the high fragility of the mineral:

• you need to avoid blows;
• it is important to maintain cleanliness - any contact with a harder mineral or abrasive grain will cause scratches;
• It is difficult to drill - it crumbles and cracks.

Watch the videos to see what stones look like when processed:

Other uses of stone

• Obsidian is widely used industrially to make dark glass. Surgical instruments are made from it.
• In construction, volcanic glass is used to produce thermal insulation materials.
• The gem is valued as an ornamental stone, from which various souvenirs and other decorative products are made.

Despite the fact that obsidian is considered a “devilish” stone, Orthodox icons are produced from it, due to the fact that it can be easily processed (polished, ground).

These products look simply great! It doesn’t matter what a beautiful creation is made of, but what matters is its meaning.

Origin of obsidian stone

Obsidian is a stone that has been known since ancient times. Archaeologists constantly find tools made of volcanic glass during excavations - this is what this rock is also called. The stone has a very sharp chip. That is why the Mayans used it to make spears and stakes. All kinds of jewelry were also made from the gem.

Modern scientists use these historical finds to study travel routes, as well as contacts of ancient peoples. Archaeological finds have made it possible to establish that high-quality stone raw materials were used in the Neolithic and Paleolithic. This means that it was used 15 thousand years ago.

The name of the stone is explained by two legends. So, some scientists are sure that this concept is connected with the Greek word “obsis”, which translates as “spectacle”. The fact is that the stone was used to make small mirrors. It is also believed that Obsidium is the name of the ancient Roman legionnaire who first discovered this mineral.

The typical color of obsidian is black, which is due to the presence of magnetite in the composition. However, there are other shades of gems.

Price

Since the gem is an ornamental one, its cost is low - from 50 rubles per kilogram.

The rarest and most valuable type of obsidian is rainbow obsidian, which is more valuable. Its price for one gram of obsidian ranges from 500 to 700 rubles, depending on the deposit and processing.

They say that there is the rarest type of stone - Chilean green obsidian, which is valued more than diamond.

Care

Pebble loves to be treated properly. It must be handled as carefully as possible, since the gem does not like sudden changes in temperature and is afraid of shocks.

Obsidian jewelry should be cleaned from time to time with special soft cloths without the use of chemicals.

You can use a solution of soap in cool water. After washing, the product must be wiped dry.

If obsidian is worn as a talisman, then once a week it should be placed under running water for several hours in order to cleanse it of the negative energy accumulated in it.

How to distinguish a fake?

Natural stones are counterfeited quite rarely, since obsidian is an inexpensive mineral, however, there are cases when black-painted glass is passed off as a gem.

It is quite easy to distinguish a fake; you just have to hold the pebble in your hand - the natural stone will remain cold for a long time.

The natural mineral has a clear shine and a rich matte color. When placed in water, a fake gem will lose its purity of color and shine.

If the pebble you purchased is too transparent, then most likely it is a fake.

Real obsidians are rarely homogeneous - they always contain some inclusions.

Artificial obsidian

In addition to stone counterfeits, which were mentioned in ancient times by the ancient encyclopedist Pliny, there is now an artificial gem, which is obtained by mixing various volcanic rocks - glass, ash, etc.

These stones are sold under the name “helenite” or Helen’s stone.

Also, artificial obsidian is produced on an industrial scale by melting sand, simple glass and other materials. Jewelry, jewelry and crafts are made from it, passing them off as products made from natural obsidian.

Sometimes frosted or speckled glass slag is passed off as volcanic glass.

Application

Obsidian is used in modern jewelry and decorative arts. Jewelry, boxes, watches, stationery, dishes, figurines, stands, various beautiful figurines, decorative eggs, key rings and other interior items are made from it. The mineral with iridescence, silky surface, silvery and golden shimmer, which is provided by small gas or crystalline inclusions, is most valued.

In addition, the mineral is used to produce expanded material - perlite, which, in turn, is used in many areas:

• heat and sound insulation;
• alternative to sand and crushed stone;
• filler for linoleum, paints, dry construction mixtures;
• for purification of tap water and wastewater;
• as a filter for purifying alcoholic beverages, sugar syrups, beer, fruit juices, vegetable oils;
• for filtration of pharmaceuticals;
• when smoking a hookah instead of tobacco;
• and much more.

Interesting Facts

A mirror made of black obsidian is considered a witch's mirror. In it you can see both the past and present, as well as the future. It is successfully used by fortune tellers to predict the future.

They also say that the obsidian mirror is a portal to enter parallel worlds. This mirror costs a lot of money.

Mysterious and mysterious obsidian has experienced a lot in its long life - they looked into the future through it, fought with its help in merciless battles, admired it at magnificent festivals and worshiped it in numerous temples.

In spite of everything, he dispassionately looks at all the vanity of the world... Although the devil's stone can do a lot, it does not have the power to change human nature and stop the wheel of samsara.

The ancients considered obsidian a dangerous gem, but its black color is just another side of the light of our soul, and it is with the help of this amazing mineral that we can fearlessly look into the face of our fate - into the unknown of our own soul.

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.