Geology / History
Obsidian is an igneous rock that forms when molten rock material cools so rapidly that atoms are unable to arrange themselves into a crystalline structure. The result is a volcanic glass with a smooth uniform texture that breaks with a conchoidal fracture. Basically volcanic glass.
As a glass, obsidian is chemically unstable. Rarely, obsidian has an iridescent or metallic sheen caused by light reflecting from minute inclusions of mineral crystals, rock debris or gas. These coloured specimens are known as rainbow obsidian, golden obsidian or silver obsidian, depending upon the colour of the sheen or iridescence. These specimens are very desirable.
The first archaeological evidence known of Obsidian usage was from within Kariandusi & other sites of the Acheulian age beginning 1.5 million years previously. Recovered specimens dated to 700,000 BC.
Metaphysical Properties
A stone without boundaries or limitations. Obsidian works fast & with immense power it teaches us to embrace the darkness for here is where the truth lies. When the lotus flower embraces to depths of the murky waters it learns how to blossom as a beautiful flower into the light. Nothing can hide from this stone it exorcises fears & blockages, releasing what is hiding in the shadows.
A very grounding stone, with great healing ability that purges traumatic emotions & is excellent for past life journeying. Obsidian is also an excellent manifestation stone & shows what is needed to heal a situation. All that ever was, is & could be is found within, including the truth of self.
A stone of transformation & enlightenment containing the gifts of prophecy. Obsidian is extremely protective, forming a shield it blocks psychic attack & absorbs then dissipates negative energies. Provides great support to face daemons either internally or externally & releases the need for courage as the illusion of fear drifts away. Obsidian acts as a mirror to the soul & it impels us to grow.
This stone cuts the cords that bind us & transfers the ancient knowledge of our ancestral blood lines. Obsidian transports the soul to higher dimensions where learning, understanding & creation take place.
Obsidian resonates with all chakras & holds an open connection to the star chakra & Earth anchor. Can be used to channel the forces of nature & imparts compassionate ancient wisdom when doing so. All dimensions can be accessed & spiritual evolution becomes inevitable when Obsidian is embraced.
Crystal Healing
Enhances eyes, nerve & digestive function. Detoxifies & assists with hormonal imbalances. Good for arthritis, joint problems, circulation issues, cramps & injuries.
Mineralogy
Group: Volcanic glass
Crystal System: Amorphous
Composition: 70–75% SiO2 plus MgO, Fe3O4
Form/Habit: Massive
Hardness: 5-6
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal
Lustre: Vitreous
Specific Gravity: 2.4
Transparency: Translucent
R.I: 1.450 - 1.5501.450 – 1.550
Colour: black, bluish, mahogany, golden, peacock, etc. - the colours are due largely to refraction by microscopic bubbles & microscopic mineral inclusions, such as magnetit in Rainbow Obsidian.
Birefringence: None
Pleochroism: Absent
Fluorescence: None
Obsidian is an igneous rock that forms when molten rock material cools so rapidly that atoms are unable to arrange themselves into a crystalline structure. The result is a volcanic glass with a smooth uniform texture that breaks with a conchoidal fracture. Basically volcanic glass.
As a glass, obsidian is chemically unstable. Rarely, obsidian has an iridescent or metallic sheen caused by light reflecting from minute inclusions of mineral crystals, rock debris or gas. These coloured specimens are known as rainbow obsidian, golden obsidian or silver obsidian, depending upon the colour of the sheen or iridescence. These specimens are very desirable.
The first archaeological evidence known of Obsidian usage was from within Kariandusi & other sites of the Acheulian age beginning 1.5 million years previously. Recovered specimens dated to 700,000 BC.
Metaphysical Properties
A stone without boundaries or limitations. Obsidian works fast & with immense power it teaches us to embrace the darkness for here is where the truth lies. When the lotus flower embraces to depths of the murky waters it learns how to blossom as a beautiful flower into the light. Nothing can hide from this stone it exorcises fears & blockages, releasing what is hiding in the shadows.
A very grounding stone, with great healing ability that purges traumatic emotions & is excellent for past life journeying. Obsidian is also an excellent manifestation stone & shows what is needed to heal a situation. All that ever was, is & could be is found within, including the truth of self.
A stone of transformation & enlightenment containing the gifts of prophecy. Obsidian is extremely protective, forming a shield it blocks psychic attack & absorbs then dissipates negative energies. Provides great support to face daemons either internally or externally & releases the need for courage as the illusion of fear drifts away. Obsidian acts as a mirror to the soul & it impels us to grow.
This stone cuts the cords that bind us & transfers the ancient knowledge of our ancestral blood lines. Obsidian transports the soul to higher dimensions where learning, understanding & creation take place.
Obsidian resonates with all chakras & holds an open connection to the star chakra & Earth anchor. Can be used to channel the forces of nature & imparts compassionate ancient wisdom when doing so. All dimensions can be accessed & spiritual evolution becomes inevitable when Obsidian is embraced.
Crystal Healing
Enhances eyes, nerve & digestive function. Detoxifies & assists with hormonal imbalances. Good for arthritis, joint problems, circulation issues, cramps & injuries.
Mineralogy
Group: Volcanic glass
Crystal System: Amorphous
Composition: 70–75% SiO2 plus MgO, Fe3O4
Form/Habit: Massive
Hardness: 5-6
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal
Lustre: Vitreous
Specific Gravity: 2.4
Transparency: Translucent
R.I: 1.450 - 1.5501.450 – 1.550
Colour: black, bluish, mahogany, golden, peacock, etc. - the colours are due largely to refraction by microscopic bubbles & microscopic mineral inclusions, such as magnetit in Rainbow Obsidian.
Birefringence: None
Pleochroism: Absent
Fluorescence: None