OBSIDIAN

MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The obsidian is a natural glass of volcanic origin that was formed by the rapid cooling of magmas rich in silicic acid. 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.

The obsidian is usually black in color but there are also different varieties with brown, red, gold or gray tones, due to the presence of inclusions of iron oxides, gas bubbles or spherulites clear. Depending on how it is carved, the surface of obsidian can change color (dichroism).

Depending on its color and appearance, obsidian receives different names. In addition to the black obsidian we find the rainbow obsidian (black with reflections of color bands), golden obsidian (black with gold or silver reflection), mahogany obsidian (brown with spots black), nevada obsidian (black with gray circular spots) and apache tear obsidian (black and nodular). There are also obsidian with blue, greenish and red tones.

The name of obsidian comes from the Latin "lapis obsianus", "obsidian stone", which derives from Obsius, supposedly an explorer or Roman naturalist, referred to by Pliny (1st century AD).

In ancient times, obsidian was highly valued thanks to its conchoidal fracture, which allows the creation of very sharp points and cutting tools. It was also used as an amulet and as ornamentation. Mesoamerican cultures polished obsidian to make mirrors, since it has a vitreous and reflective shine. Currently obsidian is used in the manufacture of jewelry, in ornamentation and in the manufacture of cutting blades for surgery.

Deposits: Mexico, Argentina, Peru, United States, Australia, Chile, Guatemala, Iceland, Greece, Kenya, Italy, Turkey, Japan and Hungary.

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES

The 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, with mother earth, and represents the integration of light in the earthly world, in a conscious and dynamic way.

The obsidian is known for its strength and its healing properties. Symbolically it represents the "mirror" to which the totality of being is reflected, with its shadow and with its light.

One of its characteristics is to directly show those limiting and shadowed aspects of oneself, in order to give them the opportunity to heal, release or integrate them. For this purpose, it can bring to light blockages, traumas and memories of the past. It is recommended to be aware of its properties and its mobilizing capacity before using it.