General
əb-ˈsi-dē-ən
Grounded Self Protection Stone
Obsidian is glass that has sometimes formed naturally when lightning strikes in sand. But Obsidian is generally from volcanic lava which cooled too quickly for significant crystallization to occur.
Although most often black, Obsidian does present in colors such as brown and gray, and less likely but still possible blue, red, and green. These colors maybe be uniform, banded, or even spotted in an Obsidian. The coloring is caused by the presence of iron, manganese, or titanium, and the levels at which those are present.
Scientific Gemstone Properties
Mohs Hardness of 5 with a amorphous crystal structure.
Obsidian is often the result of volcanic lava coming in contact with water (a lake or an ocean), and thus being cooled too quickly to form a clear crystalline structure. The process does produce a glassy texture in the resulting rock.
Obsidian is found in areas where volcanic activity is, or has been in the past. Many locations including Hawaii, Japan, Iceland, Hungary, Mexico, Ecuador, and Guatemala.
Dark nodules found in Arizona and New Mexico are called Apache Tears.
Metaphysical Gemstone Properties
Obsidian said to be a very powerful stone, reminding one that birth and death are simultaneous and constantly present, not as one with the other, but always as one. Obsidian has been associated with guardian spirits for as far back as ancient lore provides. Said to watch over one, protect, and connect to protection on all levels of experience.
Black Obsidian may be quite difficult to use if one is not fully and completely prepared to face both sides of one’s reality – the negative as well as the positive. Obsidian will energize spiritual forces to help guide one on their way to awareness. Easily opening and connecting with the 1st, Base Chakra it will allow one to face current/present challenges as well as past life lessons that are yet to be learned. working through the chakras Obsidian often activates the 6th Third Eye/Brow Chakra in conjunction with the necessary processing of past life karma, so again, one must use caution.
Healing Gemstone Properties
Obsidian in general is said to alleviate pain, reduce tension, and release negative energy. Said to improve one’s vision and to accelerate the healing of physical wounds, relieving ailments of the stomach and intestines as well.
Obsidian is said to be an excellent stone to simply carry around to absorb negative energies and transform them into positive, vibrating with calmness and security, stabilizing the energies of all within it’s reach.
Said to be a very powerful healing stone, but only for some, it may be quite too powerful for others.
Golden Sheen Obsidian (pictured here) is told to be a wonderfully protective stone, riding one of lingering negative energies and clearing the auric field as well as providing direction in one’s life towards one’s goals.
Magical Gemstone Properties
Energy: Projective
Element: Fire
Planet: Saturn/Jupiter
Deities: Itzpapalotl
Powers: Protection, Grounding & Divination
Candle Color: Deep Red/Burgundy
Obsidian is a very grounding and centering stone. Quite effective when carried or utilized during protection spells or rituals. By grounding spiritual energy in the physical plane, Obsidian then allows one to connect the mind and emotions. Absorbing and destroying negative energies, cleaning the subconscious of any blockages one may have, and then releasing stress, this stone has powers some may not be prepared for.
Obsidian spheres are wonderful scrying tools with their reflective beauty, but are again quite powerful, and should be used with caution. If one is using a Crystal Quartz and the results are not clear, attempt the same ritual with an Obsidian. One should have better results. As well, if it’s energy and intenseness makes one uncomfortable, holding a clear Quartz in one hand while scrying should help balance the power and abate the intensity. Often times the blackness of the stone will allow easier access to the subconscious.
Obsidian may be cleansed in any type of natural light source.
Zodiac Gemstone Properties
Zodiac Stone of: Sagittarius – Elemental
Associations: Jupiter
Birthstone: Not a Birthstone for any month.
To dream of Obsidian in any color means a period of darkness and struggle will soon be ending.
Chakra Gemstone Properties
Obsidian is quite helpful when one is working with the 1st, Root/Base Chakra, as it will easily open and activate it. Often during the process the 6th, Third Eye/Brow Chakra is activated as well, allowing for spiritual revelations.
One must use Obsidian with caution on the Chakras, as it will reveal, expose and help on to deal with past life challenges and lessons necessary to move forward. But if one is not ready for the full truth, Obsidian should be shied away from.
