Obsidian
About Obsidian
Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed when lava cools rapidly. Known as a powerful protective stone and truth-enhancer, Obsidian shields against negativity, draws out mental stress, and brings clarity to the mind. Its mirror-like surface has been used for scrying and spiritual reflection for thousands of years.
Crystal Properties
- Mohs Hardness: 5-5.5
- Chemical Composition: SiO₂ (Silicon Dioxide - Volcanic Glass)
- Crystal System: Amorphous (no crystal structure)
- Colour: Black, brown, green, rainbow sheen, snowflake patterns
- Chakra: Root, Earth Star
- Element: Fire and Earth
Obsidian Varieties
Obsidian occurs in several distinctive varieties based on inclusions and formation:
- Black Obsidian - Pure black - Powerful protection and grounding
- Snowflake Obsidian - Black with white cristobalite - Balance and purity
- Mahogany Obsidian - Black with brown/red - Grounding and strength
- Apache Tear - Translucent black nodules - Grief healing and comfort
- Blue Obsidian - Blue sheen (rare/man-made) - Communication and insight
- Rainbow Obsidian - Iridescent sheen - Light in darkness and hope
- Gold Sheen Obsidian - Golden reflections - Manifestation and ego healing
- Silver Sheen Obsidian - Silver reflections - Patience and perseverance
Metaphysical Properties
Obsidian is known as a stone of truth and protection. It forms a shield against negativity, blocks psychic attack, and removes negative spiritual influences. Obsidian brings clarity to the mind, clears confusion, and helps you know who you truly are. It dissolves emotional blockages and ancient traumas, promoting qualities of compassion and strength. Many use Obsidian for shadow work, protection, grounding, and revealing truth.
How to Use Obsidian
Place Obsidian near your front door for protection, carry it for grounding and shielding, use it in shadow work and meditation for revealing hidden truths, create a protective grid around your space, or use polished Obsidian for scrying and divination.
Caring for Your Obsidian
- Cleansing: Water-safe. Cleanse with running water, salt water, sound bowls, sage smoke, or moonlight. Obsidian absorbs negativity and should be cleansed regularly.
- Charging: Moonlight preferred, earth burial, or selenite. Sunlight-safe but prolonged exposure may dull the shine.
- Storage: Moderately soft at Mohs 5-5.5. Store separately to prevent scratching. Obsidian can chip easily.
- Durability: Brittle and can fracture easily. Handle with care and avoid impacts. Sharp edges can form when broken.
Where Obsidian is Found
Obsidian forms when felsic lava cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth. It's found near volcanic activity and can only form where lava cools quickly. The different varieties form based on gas bubbles, mineral inclusions, and cooling patterns.
Major deposits: Mexico, USA (Oregon, California, Arizona), Iceland, Italy, Greece, Turkey, New Zealand, and Japan.
Mexican Obsidian is particularly prized for its quality and variety. Apache Tears are found in the southwestern USA. Iceland produces exceptional black Obsidian.
Obsidian Through History
Obsidian has been used since the Stone Age for tools, weapons, and mirrors. Ancient Mesoamerican cultures (Aztec, Maya) used Obsidian for ceremonial knives, arrowheads, and mirrors for scrying. The Aztec god Tezcatlipoca's name means 'Smoking Mirror,' referring to Obsidian mirrors used for divination.
Ancient Egyptians used Obsidian for scarabs and ornamental objects. The name 'Obsidian' comes from Obsidius, a Roman who discovered the stone in Ethiopia. Native American tribes used Obsidian for arrowheads and cutting tools. Modern surgeons use Obsidian scalpels as they're sharper than steel.
Astrological Connections
- Zodiac: Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Capricorn
- Planetary: Saturn and Pluto (transformation and truth)
- Birth Stone: Not a traditional birthstone but associated with Scorpio
- Numerology: Number 1 (new beginnings and truth)
Crystals That Pair Well With Obsidian
Obsidian works powerfully with protective and grounding stones:
- Black Tourmaline + Obsidian for ultimate protection and grounding
- Smoky Quartz + Obsidian for shadow work and transmutation
- Hematite + Obsidian for grounding and strength
- Labradorite + Obsidian for protection and transformation
- Selenite + Obsidian for balancing dark and light energies
Explore Related Crystals
Other Volcanic & Protective Stones:
- Lava Stone - Volcanic rock for grounding and strength
- Tektite - Meteorite glass for transformation
- Shungite - Ancient carbon for protection and purification
- Jet - Fossilized wood for protection and grounding
Similar Shadow Work & Truth Stones:
- Black Tourmaline - Protection and grounding
- Smoky Quartz - Transmutation and grounding
- Onyx - Strength and self-mastery