Obsidian stone: properties, meaning and who is suitable according to zodiac sign

Glass. Well, not simple, but volcanic. This is obsidian.

There are a couple of versions regarding the name:

The pebble was named after a Roman named Obsidius (or maybe Obsius). He brought obsidian from Ethiopia, and he has to answer; this version is confirmed by Pliny.
Mirrors were made from obsidian, which is why the stone got its name from the Greek obsis (obsis) - spectacle.

Those who have not read Pliny called volcanic glass in their own way.

In Mesoamerica, obsidian was a trade item and was called “Apache tears.”
In Transcaucasia, stones were considered “fragments of the devil’s claws” or “Satan’s nail.”
For fantasy lovers, the famous dragon glass from Game of Thrones is obsidian.
“Tears of the Apaches” - this is how obsidian was called due to legend; it says that these stones are the tears of Indian women shed for fallen warriors.
Hungarians call volcanic glass “Tokay luxury sapphire.”
Different peoples gave obsidian their own names - wasser peridian, Icelandic agate, bottle stone, mountain mahogany... The name sometimes indicates the color of the stone.

The name is not as important as the meaning of the stone for a person. Let's find out about him.

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

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.

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.

Physics and chemistry of obsidian

Obsidian is not a mineral, it is a rock. Its composition is similar to that of granites. But its mineral content can vary significantly.

Breed characteristics:

consists mainly of quartz and feldspar;
hardness 5-6 on the Mohs scale;
not radioactive;
not electrically conductive.

The origin of the stone is from volcanoes. It's just frozen lava. Moreover, the cooling process of the lava was so fast that the volcanic obsidian remained amorphous - the crystals simply did not have time to form.

Rock type	Igneous rock
Color	red, brown, black, gray, sometimes with a beautiful tint
Texture 2	banded, massive, spotted
origin of name	The word "obsidian" has several possible origins. The name of the material may come from the Greek. οβσις (“obsis”) is a sight to behold, as in ancient times this material was used to make mirrors. However, many researchers suggest the origin of the name from Lat. Obsidianus lapis or lat. Obsianus lapis - stone of Obsidia (or Obsia), on behalf of the Roman Obsidia (or Obsia), who first brought the stone to Rome from Ethiopia. With this etymology, obsidian is mentioned in the encyclopedia of Pliny the Elder, 77 AD. e.
Zodiac sign	Aries, Leo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Aquarius

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.

Price

Obsidian is an ornamental material. Even for voluminous products or jewelry with it, the price is affordable. Especially if only stones are used, without metal. But products with jewelry alloy are inexpensive:

beads – 359–2259;
pendant – 122–315;
ring – 359–699;
earrings – 329–1299;
bracelet – 429–1529;
keychain – 239–629;
elastic band for hair – 18–35 rub.

Silver products (average cost, rub.):

ring – 899;
ring – 2300;
pendant – 682;
bracelet – 1700;
choker – 1125.

The cost is determined by the type of stone (the most expensive are rainbow obsidians with patterns on the surface), the material of the frame, the weight of the product, and the expressiveness of the design.

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

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.

We recommend: ALBITE - “moon” stone

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.

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.

Obsidian products

Ease of processing has made obsidian a favorite material for stone cutters. Large and miniature, expensive and commonly available items are made from it.

Tabletop sets

Obsidian is a stone of leaders, winners, self-sufficient people. It is not surprising that the material is used to make desktop business sets. The assortment ranges from ordinary to status (13–80 thousand rubles).

The color is black or brown, with a subtle pattern, different styles. There is no shame in presenting them to your boss or business partner. A special style of execution and color scheme is an option for a business woman.

Collection material

The color variety and affordability of the stone allow anyone to feel like a seasoned collector. Tumbling or original units purchased personally will not require significant financial investments. But they will make you happy and raise your self-esteem.

Large animal sculptures or delicately crafted miniature netsuke figures are the lot of wealthy people. The collection can become a family treasure.

Magic paraphernalia

Magic balls and pyramids are made from obsidian, and “mirrors” are polished. When rotating in the dark, images appear on a shiny surface that predict fate or the development of events. The obsidian idol energizes magicians.

Other options

The market offers obsidian souvenirs of varying complexity of processing, material, and dimensions. A prestigious gift is considered a chess set (about 200 thousand rubles), a knife with an engraved handle - 8–9 thousand rubles. The box (2-3 thousand rubles), depending on the size and style of execution, will become a repository for business papers or ladies' accessories. Dice-cubes (400 rubles), rosary beads, and a keychain with a branded car logo (200–250 rubles) will be appreciated by many.

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.

We recommend: RHODOCHROSITE - all shades of red

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.

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.