Obsidian is an interesting mineral with fascinating and mysterious patterns. It owes its name to the warrior Obsidia, who brought it from Ethiopia. Thanks to him, the stone gained popularity among the inhabitants of Ancient Rome. Its history goes back many centuries.
There are different names for obsidian known around the world. For example, in Transcaucasia the mineral is called “a fragment of Satan’s bones.” Local residents believe that this is the gem of the devil himself.
In the United States, obsidian is called “Apache tears.” In various reference books it is defined as mountain mahogany, volcanic glass and resin stone.
Legends about the origin of the magical talisman
Every nation has a story about the appearance of a mineral on the surface of the planet. For example, the peoples of Transcaucasia believe that when Satan became angry, lava began to erupt onto the earth from the fiery depths of hell.
She helped keep people in fear and fear. It seemed to them that the devil himself wanted to break free. But he didn’t succeed, and all the marks that he left after his anger are fragments of claws.
According to the beliefs of the American people, obsidian mineral stones represent the tears of women with which they mourned the great loss of their husbands. This tragedy occurred because their husbands did not want to become slaves of the colonists, and as a result they rushed into the mouth of the volcano to certain death. And the wives’ tears turned into sad black ingots, the colors of death and parting.
And in Egypt, this mineral was considered the stone of the dead and was always placed next to dead bodies during burial.
In fact, the history of the origin of the mineral is as follows. Obsidian is a mineral formed from igneous rock, which, when solidified, turns into those same ingots of grief and parting the color of the dark sky. In fact, it is a type of volcanic glass.
The name of this mineral comes from the Greek “obsis”, which means “spectacle”. Since in ancient times this breed was used to make mirrors. Of course, there is another legend about the distribution of the mineral among people.
Allegedly, the Roman warrior Obsidia liked the look of this stone so much that he brought it with him to Rome. Since then he was named after Obsidia. In any case, the beauty of the appearance of this magical stone fascinates the soul and fills it with unknown energy.
Where is this rock mined?
Volcanic glass deposits can be found in areas of active and already extinct volcanoes. For example, this mineral is very abundant in Ethiopia, Turkey, and the United States of America. The most valuable and unusually beautiful samples of the mineral are mined in California, in the Mississippi River.
Stone from this state is prized because it is less transparent than its counterparts in other countries. In Russia, deposits of the mineral can be found in Transcaucasia, Siberia or the Khabarovsk Territory. The largest deposits are located in Mexico.
What is obsidian
Obsidian is an igneous rock. It appears when lava quickly hardens and becomes transparent, which is why its second name is “volcanic glass.”
In real life, you can observe pre-treated obsidian, it is shiny, often black or brown, usually with light inclusions.
An obsidian ingot obtained from mining the mineral looks like a stone block of uneven shape, layered structure, with cracks and chips. It does not appear transparent due to the many inclusions of hematite.
Varieties and colors
Depending on the type of pattern on the surface, 3 types of obsidian are distinguished:
- Snowy is the most common. Outwardly, it is intensely black with small light dots reminiscent of snowflakes - interspersed with cristobalite. The most popular among other types.
- Peanut is in second place in terms of occurrence. It has oblong inclusions, similar to peanuts.
- Rainbow obsidian has different shades and is rare. The pattern on the cut of such stones resembles a rainbow stain from gasoline or oil.
Rainbow obsidian includes colored varieties. This includes obsidians:
- red - the main extraction is made in Mexico, jewelry with it is popular, often found, and is called mahogany obsidian;
- blue - the main deposit is in California, more is used for amulets than for jewelry;
- green is the rarest variety and can cost more than a diamond;
- blue - the most common, but at the same time expensive, is considered the stone of choice for protection from the evil eye;
- brown - a common type, helps with gastrointestinal diseases, often used in jewelry;
- corduroy - Mexican matte mineral with several shades at once;
- black - comes across often, loved by magicians and astrologers as a predictor of the future;
- silver – gray stone, rare, considered suitable for meditation;
- golden shin is the name given to brown obsidian that has a golden tint or, in other words, “cat’s eye.”
A single-color mineral without inclusions is an extremely rare exception.
Based on transparency, they are distinguished:
- translucent appearance, the overwhelming majority of such gems;
- transparent – very rare, these specimens are highly valued, especially the green ones.
We recommend watching a video review on stone:
Physical properties of the stone
Obsidian itself is a very fragile stone and has low wear resistance. This negative feature is characteristic of the mineral because it is a volcanic rock and has a foamy structure. But it has an acidic composition similar to granite.
| Property | Description |
| Formula | SiO2 oxide with acidic content. |
| Hardness | 5—6 |
| Density | 2.5-2.6 g/cm³ |
| Radioactivity | No |
| Electrical conductivity | No |
| Melting temperature | 1200–1500 °C |
| Transparency | Opaque or transparent. |
| Color | Black, less often brown or transparent. |
Obsidian and the signs of the Zodiac
The mineral is most suitable for Capricorn. For representatives of this sign, when wearing a nugget, their lives change; they lose the negative characteristics inherent in them. For Aries, the stone helps to curb their difficult character, people become calmer. Bracelets containing a snow nugget are suitable for Sagittarius and Leo, helping them in all activities. A good gem for Scorpios, Aquarius and Gemini. But it is contraindicated for Virgos and Cancers. It causes irritability in them, even provoking aggression.
The medicinal properties that the breed has
Even in ancient times, healers and healers of different nations attached special importance to precious and semi-precious stones. These minerals had different healing and magical properties. They brought wealth to the house, protected from demons and evil spirits. This breed did not escape its fate.
Obsidian is a healing stone. It is believed that infectious colds are cured faster and pass quite easily for a person’s condition, thanks to the presence of this natural mineral on his neck or finger. The gem is used to treat pathological diseases such as:
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- with renal failure;
- to normalize blood pressure;
- for rheumatic disorders in humans;
- heals mental imbalance;
- relieves diseases resulting from hypothermia.
In addition, natural stone has the ability to heal various human mental disorders. Mental illnesses of the owner: nervous disorders, depression, fears - this beautiful volcanic rock heals. And the healing gem transforms the dark thoughts that often visit a mentally unbalanced person into a positive direction.
To prevent diseases, a person can carry with him a rosary made from this mineral. Wearing necklaces, beads, or just key chains made from it will also help improve people’s health.
Talismans and amulets
An amulet with this stone will help you get rid of the attention of others, which can sometimes be too intrusive. To do this, it is enough to wear obsidian jewelry or simply pick up a rosary, and then you will remain invisible to everyone. This stone is also credited with the ability to repay debts. That's why it is very popular among bankers.
- To protect yourself from the negative impact of the outside world and evil spirits, you need to always have a product made of obsidian with you; a rosary is ideal for this.
- It is not necessary to wear jewelry as a talisman.
- A pyramid made of obsidian can also protect you, which will perform its functions simply by being on your desktop or in your bag.
- This form of the amulet allows the mineral to accumulate the greatest amount of cosmic energy, and does so quite quickly.
Magic properties
In addition to its healing properties, this material also has magical properties. For some zodiac signs, it can bring good luck and inspire new discoveries.
Mages believe that this volcanic rock is endowed with the powers of two distant planets and one star: Saturn, Uranus and the Sun. And such enormous power of cosmic energy, if released and used incorrectly, can harm a person.
Large round ritual balls are made from this stone for their spiritualistic seances. These products are truly mystically beautiful. They are especially mesmerizing to look at when the obsidian sphere rotates. Mysterious images disperse around the ball in different directions and float away into nowhere.
This mineral has special significance for humans. According to Indian wizards, not every magician is allowed to work with him. And its magical properties are very dangerous.
However, this magical stone - obsidian in skillful hands is able to protect a person from wrong steps, suppresses aggression, and takes a person away from communicating with strangers who could bring trouble to the owner. The healing mineral has a positive effect on the body’s energy and removes negative energy.
It is believed that whoever possesses this stone becomes disciplined. The owner of the volcanic rock can put his thoughts in order and strictly follow the plan without deviating from the goal.
Since ancient times, this stone was considered the most powerful talisman and amulet for the owner. For ordinary people, it provides an opportunity to see themselves from the outside, and for creatively gifted thinkers and writers, it helps to unleash their full creative potential. It was believed that with an obsidian pen it was possible to transfer onto paper those thoughts that would not fall on the white sheet of a piece of paper when using a regular pen.
Even scientists and naturalists wish to have a magical talisman made of volcanic glass. And rosary beads made from this type of material allow you to increase clairvoyance and witchcraft powers.
Description of the mineral
The color of obsidian is mostly black, however, sometimes there are grayish samples, as well as red-brown ones. There are also varieties with polychrome coloring. There are three of them. This is about:
• peanut mineral (contains grains resembling groundnuts); • snowy (has white inclusions on a black background); • iridescent (combines blue, blue and green iridescent shades).
Of those mentioned, the last example is of greatest value in jewelry. Its polished surface resembles the stains left by petroleum products on water. It is extremely rare and costs correspondingly high.
What is made from such an unusual and mysterious mineral?
Various amulets and amulets are made from stones of this breed. They were often taken with them on their journeys by sailors and pioneers.
Amulets helped and warned the owner about a future flood or earthquake. Even today, these stones are inserted into pendants, beads, thimbles, cigarette cases or lighters. Amulets made of gems are carried by flight attendants, pilots, and long-distance sailors.
Beads and necklaces made from this stone are especially popular and in demand. They have an incredibly deep shade and a mesmerizing appearance. And the rich color of the night allows the owner or hostess wearing such jewelry to look respectable. The noble shine that the talisman product gives off in the light attracts dozens of eyes to the owner, who is under the protection of the mineral.
Silver-plated earrings and thimbles with inserts made of this stone can be bought at prices ranging from 1,500 to 8,000. Collectible samples and ornamental stones from the Gabillo brand cost about 17,000. And bracelets made of snow obsidian cost from 800 to 2,000 per piece. They fit well on the owner's hand and give him additional energy. Jewelry with this stone is still famous today.
When buying jewelry made from this mineral, the main thing is not to buy a fake. After all, then you will not get the desired effect that only a real product can bring you. Therefore, it is not always worth chasing the cheapest. How you can distinguish real jewelry from a fake can be read in the next part.
Colors and varieties
The main color options for the stone are black, gray or reddish-brown. At the same time, minerals with mixed colors are found:
- Snow obsidian has a predominantly black color, diluted with small white spots, very similar to snowflakes.
- Rainbow stone shimmers with numerous colors, making it look like a rainbow. When cut, this color resembles spilled oil.
- Peanut obsidian contains inclusions similar in appearance to nuts.
How to distinguish a fake?
It is easy to distinguish a natural stone from a fake. Natural volcanic rock has a rich color and its surface shines. When pinched in the palm of the hand, a person should feel cold. Most often, natural gems come interspersed with other colors and are not monochromatic.
Due to the fact that obsidian is very fragile, if you take a needle and run it across its surface, it will leave a mark. If the seller is not telling the truth, then he will in every possible way resist the buyer doing such an experiment with the product he is selling.
If the seller is truthful and really sells a natural gem, then he will even help and advise you to conduct another experiment to identify a fake. The point of the experiment is as follows: the stone must be placed in water for several minutes. The original obsidian will lose its shine and change in appearance.
Despite the fact that the main color of the stone is black, the mineral has several colors. This iridescence is achieved by interspersing other types of rocks. For example, magnetite gives the stone its usual dark tint.
Mining and stone processing
Obsidian is widespread, the stone is mined in the following areas:
- Japan;
- Mexico;
- Ecuador;
- USA;
- New Zealand;
- Russia.
Armenia supplies the highest quality and purest mineral, highly valued among jewelers.
Unprocessed obsidian is unsuitable for use in the jewelry industry, but can be purchased by rare collectors.
Processing of the gem begins with washing the extracted samples from dirt and cutting them into pieces of the required size. Next, soft roughing is performed with a diamond tool, the stone is moistened with water so that it does not burst. It is important to choose the right abrasive - too coarse will make the surface uneven, tearing out parts of the stone, causing chips and cracks.
The next stage is fine grinding, also with water. The final treatment is polishing with diamond paste to a mirror finish. Upon completion of all procedures, holes are drilled in the resulting elements intended for pendants, necklaces, and beads.
Difficulties in processing due to the high fragility of the mineral:
- you need to avoid blows;
- it is important to maintain cleanliness - any contact with a harder mineral or abrasive grain will cause scratches;
- It is difficult to drill - it crumbles and cracks.
Watch the videos to see what stones look like when processed:
Product care
This gem is fragile, so it needs careful care. If you have such a stone, then be sure to follow the rules that are prescribed for caring for it.
This product should be stored at a great distance from other jewelry and should preferably be placed in a case with soft sides.
It should not be exposed to sunlight for a long time. Do not allow it to fall, and also protect it from impacts. Volcanic glass should not be left in water for long periods of time. Because of this, the breed will lose its pristine beauty.
The owner should clean the stone with sanitary napkins and lightly rinse it in soapy water. Under no circumstances should it be cleaned with aggressive chemicals.
Astrological properties of the stone
In addition to its magical properties, this natural product reveals itself to the owner, influencing his psyche and inhibiting or, conversely, accelerating the energy processes occurring in the body.
This stone is completely compatible with some zodiac signs, but is contraindicated for others.
(“++” – the stone fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated):
| Zodiac sign | Compatible |
| Aries | ++ |
| Taurus | ++ |
| Twins | ++ |
| Cancer | — |
| a lion | ++ |
| Virgo | — |
| Scales | + |
| Scorpion | + |
| Sagittarius | ++ |
| Capricorn | ++ |
| Aquarius | ++ |
| Fish | ++ |
- He will reward Aquarius, Taurus and Gemini with determination and openness to new achievements.
- For Aries it will only bring excessive irritability; for Cancers and Virgos this stone is also contraindicated, as it will bring excessive dreaminess.
- For Sagittarius, Scorpio and Capricorn, it also helps direct life in a positive and active direction. However, if Scorpio abuses wearing jewelry, the gem will make him selfish.
- It will give Pisces decisiveness in life and actions, but is contraindicated for constant carrying next to you. With Libra, igneous rock behaves neutrally, and for Leos, the devil's claw will give them prudence and pacify their hot-tempered nature.
In addition, this stone is compatible with male names: Maxim, Grigory, Egor, Denis, Stepan. The gem favors women with the names: Daria, Antonina, Nadezhda, Tatyana.
Natalya, wearing this devil's claw, will be protected from rash acts. The stone will give life energy to Ilya. These names are patronized by the “devil's claw.”
Notes
Obsidian was known to the ancient Aztecs. The gem was called “ltzli”, which translated meant “knife”. Our ancestors used this stone as a weapon and as a decorative decoration.
Knives made of volcanic rock became a cult object and were used in rituals involving sacrifice. Although the ancestors processed the stone by hand, leaving behind irregularities, such knives accurately and instantly cut human and animal flesh.
The Aztecs loved to make knives from this stone because the chips produced sharp cuts. Obsidian knives were sharper than metal knives. The product does not dull. In medicine, obsidian glass knives are used in surgery.
The only drawback of such products is fragility. These items don't last long, but with proper care and proper use, products made from this volcanic rock will last for years.
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