Snowflake Obsidian

Mineralogical characteristics

Snowflake obsidian is a variety of obsidian that displays circular white-grey spots, called spherulites. The spherulites of snowflake obsidian are composed of cristobalite formed by the devitrification of the obsidian matrix.

Obsidian is a natural glass of volcanic origin formed by the rapid cooling of silica-rich magmas. The lava solidified so quickly that the minerals did not have time to crystallize. It is characterized by its conchoidal fracture and can be translucent to opaque.

Depending on its color and appearance, obsidian receives different names. In addition to black obsidian, there is rainbow obsidian (black with chromatic band reflections), golden obsidian (black with a golden or silvery reflection), mahogany obsidian (brown with black spots), snowflake obsidian (black with circular grey spots) and apache tear obsidian (black and nodular). There are also obsidians with blue, greenish and red tones.

The name obsidian comes from the Latin "lapis obsianus", "obsidian stone", a name derived from Obsius, a Roman explorer or naturalist, mentioned by Pliny (1st century AD).

In ancient times, obsidian was highly valued because of its conchoidal fracture, which allows very sharp points and cutting tools to be made. It was also used as an amulet and as ornamentation. Mesoamerican cultures polished obsidian to make mirrors, as it has a vitreous and reflective luster. Today obsidian is used in jewelry making and ornamentation and in the manufacture of surgical cutting blades.

Therapeutic properties

Obsidian is considered a powerful stone of personal growth and transformation. As a black stone, it is used for protection, cleansing and purification. It is related to the 1st chakra, to Mother Earth, and represents the integration of light into the earthly world in a conscious and dynamic way. It is said that snowflake obsidian is a stone that encourages balance between body, mind and spirit.

Obsidian is known for its strength and healing properties. Symbolically, it represents the "mirror" in which the totality of the self is reflected, with its shadow and its light.

One of its characteristics is that it directly shows limiting and shadowed aspects of oneself, giving the opportunity to heal, release or integrate them. For this purpose, it can bring blockages, traumas and memories from the past to the surface. It is recommended to be aware of its properties and its mobilizing capacity before using it.