The mineral obsidian has been known to mankind for about 9,000 years. The mineral received its name in honor of the Roman Obsidius. Obsidian is found in lava that hardens after volcanic eruptions. And already in the Paleolithic, people could easily make a knife, ax or spear based on this stone. As stone processing technologies developed, obsidian became more and more famous. At the end of the 19th century, its popularity increased significantly due to its use in Faberge products. Obsidian is now widely used in jewelry and as an ornamental stone.
The largest obsidian deposits are located in Ecuador, Mexico, Indonesia, Japan, Ethiopia, Peru, Germany, Turkey, Armenia, Iceland and the USA, wherever there are zones of volcanic activity in ancient or modern times. In Russia, obsidian deposits were found in Kamchatka, the Caucasus and Siberia. Iridescent obsidians are found in Nevada and the Hawaiian Islands.
For the first time, obsidian was brought from Ethiopia to Europe by a Roman named Obsidius, which was the reason for the appearance of this name for the stone. U different nations obsidian was known as different names. For example, in Transcaucasia, as “a fragment of Satan’s claws”, in America as “tears of the Apaches”. The Greek term "obsis" translates as "spectacle", and may also have had an influence on the formation of the mineral, as in ancient times it was used to make mirrors.
During the Stone Age, primitive people used obsidian in the manufacture of knives, arrowheads, and scrapers. They were sharper than metal ones and therefore popular. In Egypt, incense was stored in obsidian vessels to preserve its qualities. Writing utensils were also made from the stone, as it was believed that obsidian had a beneficial effect on the thought process of its owner. Residents of the Caucasus and India endowed obsidian magical properties and used as a ritual stone.
Obsidian gained popularity in jewelry at the end of the 19th century, when Carl Faberge began using it in this capacity.
Obsidian is a glassy rock of volcanic origin, which is why it is sometimes called volcanic glass. Its formation occurs during the rapid cooling of lava, which spills onto the ground during a volcanic eruption. Obsidian is an amorphous stone. By chemical nature it is silicon oxide with admixtures of magnesium and iron oxides.
Obsidian is colored in shades of gray, brown, red and black. It has an amorphous system and a conchoidal fracture. The hardness of the stone is 5-6 on the Mohs scale. Specific gravity 2.3 g/cm3.
Types of obsidian
There are several subspecies of obsidian depending on color:
- “Peanut” or “snowy”, painted in gray-white color, and “snowflakes” seem to be scattered across its surface.
- Rainbow is distinguished by unique color tints that resemble oil drops. The most valuable and expensive subspecies.
It is believed that obsidian contains the power of the Sun, Saturn and Uranus, and to its magical abilities people have been converting since ancient times. So, special balls for fortune tellers were made from it. As a protective amulet, obsidian keeps the owner from committing bad deeds and helps fight shortcomings. It protects from the evil eye and negative energy. The mineral gives composure, the ability to concentrate and focus on the most important, makes thoughts precise and sharp. For this reason, it is often made writing instruments.
In the Caucasus, obsidian was considered the patron saint of children, capable of protecting them from harm, the evil eye and damage.
ethnoscience uses obsidian for healing colds which appear during hypothermia. It is also believed to have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Obsidian beads and rosaries normalize blood pressure.
In general, obsidian is useful as a preventative. But wearing it all the time is not recommended.
Obsidian fragments have sharp cutting edges, which is why ancient people began to use the mineral. Scrapers, knives, spears, axes, arrowheads - all this was made on the basis of this mineral. Obsidian artifacts discovered in Mesopotamia date back about 9,000 years.
Later, obsidian was used to make various decorations and amulets, household items and ritual figurines. The Aztecs and Ethiopians learned to make mirrors from it. Obsidian knives became objects of rituals. And, despite the fact that people learned to make such iron products, obsidian did not lose its leadership position.
As jewelry and ornamental stone obsidian began to be widely used in the 19th century. He was the first to draw attention to the interesting properties of the stone and its attractive appearance Carl Faberge. Today, obsidian is in demand among others semi-precious stones for making watches, writing sets, fountains, animal figurines, beads, key rings, rosaries.
The mineral has also found application in industry as an intumescent filler for lightweight concrete.
Color palette obsidian is varied and includes shades of gray, brown, red, green, blue color. The most popular are snow white and rainbow obsidian.
Counterfeits of natural obsidian are often made from painted glass; they can be distinguished by the following characteristics:
- U natural stone rich matte color and pronounced shine.
- A piece of natural origin stays cold in your hands for a long time, unlike glass that heats up quickly.
- Natural stones never have a uniform structure and contain inclusions.
- When immersed in water, imitations lose their shine and color saturation.
Since obsidian is a fairly fragile mineral, jewelry made from it is stored in separate soft cases. They should not be left in the bright sun or in water for a long time. Obsidian is also protected from temperature changes and mechanical damage.
Obsidian is the patron saint of representatives of the sign Capricorn, whose life it will definitely change in better side and will help you be brave and decisive. Obsidian also takes Leo and Sagittarius under its protection. Jewelry made from it can be worn by Scorpios, Aquarius and Gemini. Only for Cancer and Virgo the stone is not recommended, as it endows them with irritability and vindictiveness.
A cabochon-cut piece of obsidian measuring about 3 cm is estimated at 5-7 dollars. Pyramid-shaped snow obsidian costs about $15. The most expensive is rainbow obsidian, a specimen of which can cost more than $200.
- Obsidian is considered a talisman for magicians and scientists. It is believed that beads made from it develop clairvoyance, protect against negative energy, and protect from evil spirits.
- There is a widespread legend in the Caucasus about how Satan once got angry and then pieces of his nails began to fly out to the ground along with the lava. That's why the stone received an unusual popular name"Satan's fingernail"
- According to American legend, the Apache camp was once attacked by colonists. In order not to surrender to the conquerors, the local residents decided to throw themselves from the cliff into the mouth of the volcano. The women mourned their husbands for three nights, and their tears became beautiful black stones - obsidians, “tears of the Apaches.”
“Claws of Satan”, “tear of the Apaches”, “Icelandic agate” - this is just a small list of names mysterious stone- obsidian. In addition to unusual names, this mineral has many legends and beliefs associated with it. The most popular version is that these are the claws of Satan himself, who lost the heavenly battle.
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 |
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;
- Caucasus;
- Mexico;
- Armenia;
- Japan;
- Ecuador;
- Iceland;
- Caucasus;
- Aeolian Islands;
- Hawaii;
- Ukraine.
It is worth mentioning separately about obsidians native to the USA and Mexico. Iridescent mineral is mined in America High Quality, and in Mexico there is very rare red-brown or simply red obsidian. Also found there is an unusual variety of this mineral, “velvet” - this is a matte stone of several shades at once.
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, there are also:
- Red. A rare species found in Mexico.
Red rock - Blue. Most popular for making jewelry.
- Fiery. One of the most expensive minerals.
- Leopard print, mahogany. These are reddish-brown or brown stones with black veins.
- Green. Favorite stone of shamans. It is believed that it allows you to tame spirits.
- 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.
Set of snow obsidian - 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.
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.
Wearing items with obsidian can strengthen skeletal system 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.
Another quality of the mineral is restoration 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.
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 an unchanging children's amulet. Local residents know that the mineral will protect the child from the evil eye, damage, curses and any negative impact. 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.
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.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
Obsidian 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 best case scenario they will cancel each other out, and at worst, create negative vibrations.
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. Nice couple it will be:
- 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 making 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.
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.
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.
- For cleaning jewelry It is advisable to use a weak soap solution or purchase special remedy. 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 At 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.
Favorable time to buy
It is not advisable to buy obsidian for yourself. The magical properties of obsidian are best manifested if it was given as a gift.
In the case when you still need to make a purchase, it is best to choose the 21st, 24th and 29th days of the lunar calendar.
The cost of obsidian depends on several factors:
- stone colors;
- its size;
- cutting;
- forms;
- processing difficulties.
The price for 1 gram of obsidian is low, it starts from 50 rubles. But there is a rarest type of stone - green obsidian, the cost of which is higher than that of a diamond.
Approximate cost of volcanic glass products:
- Beads - from 1000 rubles.
- Earrings, rings - 2500 rubles.
- Bracelets - 800 rubles.
- Pendants, amulets - 100 rubles.
- Small spheres, figurines - 1000 rubles.
Despite the fact that the stone is not considered precious, it is difficult to overestimate the importance of obsidian for humanity. Its healing properties have been known since the times of Ancient Egypt, and the magical properties of obsidian make it the most valuable mineral for practical magicians.
Having escaped from the very depths of the earth, it froze on the surface like a black sparkling tear.
“Tears of the Apache”, “claws of Satan”, “scorched wings of an angel”, “soul of the devil” - as they called this mysterious stone, whose name is black obsidian.
Some feared him, others admired him. So what is it really like? mysterious mineral, where does it come from and what properties does it have?
The mystery of the appearance
The main deposits of black obsidian are located in Italy, Mexico, Sweden, some states of the USA, as well as in Transcaucasia, Kamchatka and Siberia. All these areas are famous for their high volcanic activity, which began more than 4 billion years ago and continues to this day.
Sometimes hot lava, having escaped from the crater of a volcano, under the influence of certain conditions (for example, when it gets into water), cools down very quickly. The melt does not have time to crystallize and solidifies in the form of an amorphous structure. This is how igneous rock is formed - obsidian, or volcanic glass.
Tiny inclusions of magnetite give the stone a rich black color. By looking at the internal structural stripes, you can understand in which direction the lava flowed.
Obsidian is classified as a relatively young rock; it is no longer found in the most ancient lava formations. The thing is that over time, crystals begin to form in volcanic glass, and it changes its structure. But this process takes many millennia.
The oldest sample of black obsidian is about 9 thousand years old. Perhaps our ancestors used this stone before - after all, it could easily be obtained from hardened lava.
History says that even in the Paleolithic, people who had not yet learned how to process metal made sharp spear tips, ax blades and knives from obsidian. From the depths of centuries the name of the ancient Greek naturalist Theophrastus has come down to us, who for the first time described in his “Treatise on Stones” an amazing combustible stone, which, when heated, swells and bubbles, and completely burns out in the fire.
About 300 years passed before this stone received its name, which has survived to this day. The famous ancient Greek writer Pliny the Elder, who possessed truly encyclopedic knowledge, called it Obsidia stone (Obsidianus lapis) in his “Natural History”.
Legend has it that the Roman Obsidius brought a brilliant black stone of rare beauty from distant Ethiopia. The stone immediately became popular in Rome; jewelry, amulets, and even statues and sculptures began to be made from it. Pliny the Elder mentions obsidian figures of four elephants, made by order of Emperor Augustus for one of the temples.
There is a version that the name of the stone could come from the Greek word “obsis” - spectacle. Indeed, thanks to its smooth, mirror-like surface, obsidian has long served people as mirrors. Products made from black obsidian were found during excavations in Egypt, Mexico, India, and Transcaucasia. This confirms the widespread and great popularity of the stone in the world.
Description
The uniqueness of black obsidian is that it combines the properties and characteristics of stone and glass:
Obsidian is mined from solidified lava masses.
Interestingly, in the USA, in the state of Oregon, there is the famous Newberry volcano, during the eruption of which a thousand years ago a stream of lava flowed out, almost 2 kilometers long, and froze, turning into pure black obsidian.
Obsidian has found its application in heavy industry (as a foaming additive for making a lung concrete), in the medical industry (surgical instruments are made from it), in jewelry and decorative and applied industries (as raw materials for products).
Healing properties
Man has known since ancient times healing properties black obsidian. The ancient Egyptians, for example, knew about the bactericidal properties of stone. Powder made from this mineral was used to treat wounds. Incense was stored in dishes made from this material - this way they retained their properties much longer.
Modern alternative medicine also often uses this stone for medicinal purposes. It is believed that wearing this stone:
It is important to know that obsidian stone can activate the activity of the kidneys. Constantly wearing it can lead to energetic hyperstimulation and cause various disturbances in their functioning.
Lithotherapists love to use this mineral for massage. The stone helps strengthen the nervous system, relieves tension and stress, and gives good health.
In addition, experts claim that pieces of black stone placed on the navel area restore the functioning of the energy channels of the human body.
Traditional medicine also uses unique properties black obsidian - surgical instruments are made from it. It has been proven that incisions made with an obsidian scalpel heal quickly and cause virtually no complications. They are often used in eye surgery.
Magic properties
An element of terrible destructive force brought this mysterious mineral to the surface of the earth, transferring to it part of its powerful energy. And the black color, which has always been a symbol of mystery and magic, only enhances its effect. Thanks to these features, people have been talking about the unusual mystical properties of black obsidian for a long time. It is believed that this stone is capable of:
They say that this stone helps you see the future. Therefore, magicians and clairvoyants often use obsidian magic balls during their sessions.
Talismans made of black obsidian in silver are especially reliable, since silver has an amazing ability to enhance the magical effects of the mineral.
And in combination with rock crystal, this stone turns into a powerful impenetrable energy amulet.
Who should wear it and how?
As an amulet, a black stone is not suitable for all zodiac signs. Most often it is recommended:
The stone is completely unsuitable for Cancers and Virgos:
- Cancer is an overly emotional sign, and under the influence of obsidian it will become anxious, suspicious and even cowardly.
- Virgos are restless and indecisive, and the stone, enhancing these qualities, can lead representatives of this sign to hypertrophied caution, timidity and even depression.
It is important to know that it is strictly forbidden to wear obsidian all the time: with its strong energy it can suppress a person’s will and individuality, only aggravating his problems.
It is known that a stone can change a person’s destiny. Therefore, experts recommend that when choosing a stone, you should be guided not only by the advice of astrologers, but also by personal feelings. If the stone strains, causes negative emotions, nervousness or apathy - it is absolutely forbidden to wear it, even if it fully matches your zodiac sign. If the stone becomes warm in your hand and evokes pleasant sensations, there is no doubt that it will become your faithful assistant.
Stone and products made from it do not require any special care. In order for the stone to delight you with its velvety-black shiny surface for a long time, it is enough to occasionally wipe it with a linen napkin soaked in warm soapy water, and then rinse thoroughly.
You must always remember that obsidian is quite fragile and soft, so you need to protect it from shock and impact. high temperature. It is best to remove jewelry before playing sports or doing any dirty work.
A person must remember that black obsidian is not just a spectacular decoration or trinket. This is a stone endowed with the most powerful energy of earth and fire, capable of exerting healing and magical effects. Therefore, it must be used carefully, wisely and rationally.
Content:
This stone, distinguished by its extraordinary beauty, amazing shades and patterns, is called volcanic glass. Today, obsidian is mined in the USA, Iceland, Ethiopia, Russia, Armenia, Turkey and Mexico. The mineral is used in the manufacture jewelry, decoration of objects, and also as a filler for lightweight concrete.
Origin of the stone
Obsidian is a mineral of volcanic origin. The formation of the rock occurs due to the release of lava to the surface of the earth and its cooling. Obsidian is not a crystal; it is an amorphous mineral in structure. If speak about chemical composition, then this stone in chemistry is called silicon oxide.
Although the gem is a representative of inexpensive ornamental black stones, the beauty of its mirror-like shine has been known to mankind since ancient times. For example, the Americans called it “tears of the Apaches,” and the inhabitants of Transcaucasia called it “the fragments of Satan’s claws.” And in Hungary the stone was called “Tokay luxury sapphires.” 
The very name “obsidian” was given to the mineral in honor of the great Roman warrior Obsidia (Obsius), who brought the stone to his homeland from Ethiopia. It is noteworthy that in ancient times this black mineral was an ideal material for the manufacture of various labor and hunting tools: scrapers, knives, axes, spearheads and arrows. Similar artifacts were discovered in Mesopotamia. The indigenous people of North America used this stone in making mirrors and various crafts.
Types and colors of stone
Obsidian is distinguished by a wide variety of colors and original patterns. There are several types of stone in nature: rainbow, peanut, snow. The latter variety is black in color with inclusions of gray and white crystal.
When contemplating this stone, patterns in the form of inclusions on a black background, which are shaped like snowflakes and flowers, immediately become noticeable.
In nature, in addition to black, there are also specimens with blue-blue, red, and green shades; they are called “rainbow obsidians.” This type of mineral is very rare. It is surprising that during its existence the stone has acquired many names: royal agate, wasser peridot, bottle and muslin stone, resin stone, Montana jade, Icelandic agate, mountain mahogany, Persian.
Medicinal properties
Royal agate has some medicinal properties - it helps with colds and hypothermia. This stone has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract. 
Obsidian beads and bracelets optimize blood pressure. Traditional healers claim that wearing jewelry made from this mineral prevents many diseases. However, you should not overuse obsidian, because frequent or constant exposure to the stone can have a negative effect on kidney function. Products with obsidian help in the treatment of neurosis, spinal diseases and rheumatism.
Magic properties
The magical properties of the mineral do not leave indifferent magicians and fortune tellers, sorcerers and witches who use the obsidian mirror as a tool that establishes contact with the past and future. It is also used by necromancers in their sessions. In the mysterious world of magic, this stone is called “the heart of the demon” and “meteorite fragments.”
Talismans and amulets made of stone
Jewelry with obsidian is a protection against bad thoughts and actions, increases the sharpness of thinking, and relieves stress. This mineral plays the role of a talisman against damage and curses. The stone helps to remove negative energy
, contributes to the concentration of forces in a person.
Obsidian is used to repay debts, get rid of obsessive interest, and turn away from unhappy love. In Transcaucasia it is used as a protective talisman and amulet for children. Rosary beads made from this breed help to manifest the gift of clairvoyance. Talismans made from this stone are intended for practicing mediums, scientists and naturalists. An amulet or talisman with obsidian helps protect a person from the negative effects of the environment and protect him from dark forces.
Obsidian in astrology
Astrology claims that “Apache tears” is a stone under the protection of the planet Pluto. Favors the zodiac signs born in the element of fire: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.
Amulets and talismans made from the mineral can also be worn by Gemini, Aquarius, Scorpio and Capricorn. But astrologers do not recommend such signs as Virgo and Cancer to contact the stone.
To enhance the effect of obsidian, silver is used as a frame.
The mineral obsidian has been known to mankind for about 9,000 years. The mineral received its name in honor of the Roman Obsidius. Obsidian is found in lava that hardens after volcanic eruptions. And already in the Paleolithic, people could easily make a knife, ax or spear based on this stone. As stone processing technologies developed, obsidian became more and more famous. At the end of the 19th century, its popularity increased significantly due to its use in Faberge products. Now obsidian is widely used in jewelry and as an ornamental stone.
The largest obsidian deposits are located in Ecuador, Mexico, Indonesia, Japan, Ethiopia, Peru, Germany, Turkey, Armenia, Iceland and the USA, wherever there are zones of volcanic activity in ancient or modern times. In Russia, obsidian deposits were found in Kamchatka, the Caucasus and Siberia. Iridescent obsidians are found in Nevada and the Hawaiian Islands.
For the first time, obsidian was brought from Ethiopia to Europe by a Roman named Obsidius, which was the reason for the appearance of this name for the stone. Obsidian was known by different names among different peoples. For example, in Transcaucasia, as “a fragment of Satan’s claws”, in America as “tears of the Apaches”. The Greek term "obsis" translates as "spectacle", and may also have had an influence on the formation of the mineral, as in ancient times it was used to make mirrors.
During the Stone Age, primitive people used obsidian in the manufacture of knives, arrowheads, and scrapers. They were sharper than metal ones and therefore popular. In Egypt, incense was stored in obsidian vessels to preserve its qualities. Writing utensils were also made from the stone, as it was believed that obsidian had a beneficial effect on the thought process of its owner. Residents of the Caucasus and India endowed obsidian with magical properties and used it as a ritual stone.
Obsidian gained popularity in jewelry at the end of the 19th century, when Carl Faberge began using it in this capacity.
Obsidian is a glassy rock of volcanic origin, which is why it is sometimes called volcanic glass. Its formation occurs during the rapid cooling of lava, which spills onto the ground during a volcanic eruption. Obsidian is an amorphous stone. By chemical nature it is silicon oxide with admixtures of magnesium and iron oxides.
Obsidian is colored in shades of gray, brown, red and black. It has an amorphous system and a conchoidal fracture. The hardness of the stone is 5-6 on the Mohs scale. Specific gravity 2.3 g/cm3.
Types of obsidian
There are several subspecies of obsidian depending on color:
- “Peanut” or “snowy”, painted in gray-white color, and “snowflakes” seem to be scattered across its surface.
- Rainbow is distinguished by unique color tints that resemble oil drops. The most valuable and expensive subspecies.
It is believed that obsidian contains the power of the Sun, Saturn and Uranus, and people have turned to its magical abilities since ancient times. So, special balls for fortune tellers were made from it. As a protective amulet, obsidian keeps the owner from committing bad deeds and helps fight shortcomings. It protects from the evil eye and negative energy. The mineral gives composure, the ability to concentrate and focus on the most important, makes thoughts precise and sharp. For this reason, writing instruments are often made from it.
In the Caucasus, obsidian was considered the patron saint of children, capable of protecting them from harm, the evil eye and damage.
Traditional medicine uses obsidian to treat colds that appear during hypothermia. It is also believed to have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Obsidian beads and rosaries normalize blood pressure.
In general, obsidian is useful as a preventative. But wearing it all the time is not recommended.
Obsidian fragments have sharp cutting edges, which is why ancient people began to use the mineral. Scrapers, knives, spears, axes, arrowheads - all this was made on the basis of this mineral. Obsidian artifacts discovered in Mesopotamia date back about 9,000 years.
Later, various jewelry and amulets, household items and ritual figurines began to be made from obsidian. The Aztecs and Ethiopians learned to make mirrors from it. Obsidian knives became objects of rituals. And, despite the fact that people learned to make such iron products, obsidian did not lose its leadership position.
Obsidian began to be widely used as a jewelry and ornamental stone in the 19th century. Carl Faberge was the first to draw attention to the interesting properties of the stone and its attractive appearance. Today, obsidian is in demand among other semi-precious stones for making watches, writing sets, fountains, animal figurines, beads, key rings, and rosaries.
The mineral has also found application in industry as an intumescent filler for lightweight concrete.
The color palette of obsidian is varied and includes shades of gray, brown, red, green, and blue. The most popular are snow white and rainbow obsidian.
Counterfeits of natural obsidian are often made from painted glass; they can be distinguished by the following characteristics:
- Natural stone has a rich matte color and pronounced shine.
- A piece of natural origin stays cold in your hands for a long time, unlike glass that heats up quickly.
- Natural stones never have a uniform structure and contain inclusions.
- When immersed in water, imitations lose their shine and color saturation.
Since obsidian is a fairly fragile mineral, jewelry made from it is stored in separate soft cases. They should not be left in the bright sun or in water for a long time. Obsidian is also protected from temperature changes and mechanical damage.
Obsidian is the patron saint of representatives of the Capricorn sign, whose life it will definitely change for the better and help to be brave and decisive. Obsidian also takes Leo and Sagittarius under its protection. Jewelry made from it can be worn by Scorpios, Aquarius and Gemini. Only for Cancer and Virgo the stone is not recommended, as it endows them with irritability and vindictiveness.
A cabochon-cut piece of obsidian measuring about 3 cm is estimated at 5-7 dollars. Pyramid-shaped snow obsidian costs about $15. The most expensive is rainbow obsidian, a specimen of which can cost more than $200.
- Obsidian is considered a talisman for magicians and scientists. It is believed that beads made from it develop clairvoyance, protect against negative energy, and protect from evil spirits.
- There is a widespread legend in the Caucasus about how Satan once got angry and then pieces of his nails began to fly out to the ground along with the lava. That is why the stone received the unusual popular name “Satan’s nail.”
- According to American legend, the Apache camp was once attacked by colonists. In order not to surrender to the conquerors, the local residents decided to throw themselves from the cliff into the mouth of the volcano. The women mourned their husbands for three nights, and their tears became beautiful black stones - obsidians, “tears of the Apaches.”
