Obsidian stone attracts the eye with its extraordinary beauty. Mother nature herself endowed volcanic glass with unique properties, and the universe bestowed upon it tremendous power. Even in the ancient world, he enjoyed great popularity, which has survived to this day.
There are legends about him. Its magical properties are valued by people with superpowers, and jewelry made from an unusual stone is in demand even among the most sublime and stylish beauties. Where did this beautiful creation of nature come from? What is its origin?
The history of the origin of obsidian
A merciless volcano has awakened! Lava flows rushed to the small Armenian village, sweeping away everything in its path.
People ran to a small rural chapel to hide from the fury of the elements and pray to God for salvation from the devil, who hated Armenia because the country was one of the first to heed the Christian religion.
A beautiful Angel, the messenger of the Lord, came to save the inhabitants of the village from the wrath of the dark forces, but splashes of merciless lava fell on the wings of the Seraphim, singing them. The feathers shattered into small pieces, turning into black stones that sparkled with the bright colors of the rainbow.
According to the beliefs of the American peoples, the stones of the mineral obsidian 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, as a result they threw themselves into the mouth of a volcano to certain death. And the tears of the wives turned into sad black ingots, the colors of death and parting.
And in Egypt, this mineral was considered the stone of the dead and they always put it next to the dead bodies during burial.
Of course, there is another legend about the spread of the mineral among people.
Allegedly, the Roman soldier Obsidia liked the look of this stone so much that he brought it with him to Rome. It has since been named after Obsidia. In any case, the beauty of the appearance of this magical stone fascinates the soul and fills it with unknown energy.
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 in the color of a 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. in another version, the name of the gem came from the Roman warrior Obsidia, who, according to legend, brought it to Europe from Ethiopia.
Good and evil, ice and fire, love and death - all this contains the unique mineral Obsidian, which by origin is a frozen volcanic glass. Obsidian is a semi-precious stone that has all the power of the cosmos.
The value of the stone
In the Caucasus, obsidian was considered the brainchild of the devil and was called “fragments of the bones of Satan”, and the American Indians called it “Apache tears”.
According to an ancient legend, when Indian women mourned their men who died during battles and battles, the tears froze, forming stones of amazing beauty.
In ancient Egypt, it was read that black obsidian is the stone of the dead. It was customary to put it in burial places so that the dead could rest in peace in another world.
Obsidian has the powers of three planets: Saturn, Pluto and the Sun. His element is Earth.
The gem is also called the savior. It protects its owners from dark magical influences, bad love, as well as from sinful thoughts and deeds. Talismans and amulets with obsidian are very popular.
physical properties
The composition of obsidian includes 75% silicon oxide SiO2, 25% magnesium oxide MgO and iron oxide Fe3O4.
Obsidian itself is a very brittle stone and has low wear resistance. Such a 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, rarely brown or transparent. |
Mineral deposits
Deposits of volcanic glass can be found in areas of active and extinct volcanoes. For example, this mineral is abundant in Ethiopia, Turkey, and the United States of America. The most valuable and extraordinarily beautiful samples of the mineral are mined in California, in the Mississippi River.
The stone from this state is valued for being less transparent than its counterparts in other countries. In Russia, mineral deposits can be found in Transcaucasia, Siberia or in the Khabarovsk Territory. The largest deposits are in Mexico.
Varieties and colors of obsidian
- Black
- Peanut
- Rainbow
- Snow
The color of the mineral is mostly black, with stains. There is brown obsidian, as well as grayish or greenish. The color of the stone depends on the content of magnesium oxide and iron oxide in it.
Depending on the color and pattern, the stone has several varieties:
- black obsidian;
- peanut mineral;
- iridescent gem with green, red, blue-blue and other tints;
- snowy, the most beautiful, with the effect of scattered snowflakes due to white-gray inclusions of cristobalite.
Medicinal properties
Obsidian is widely used by lithotherapists. The healing properties of the mineral are no less unique than the magical ones.
He is able to heal many ailments, such as:
- rheumatism;
- nervous and mental diseases;
- diseases of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract;
- sexual disorders in women and men;
- gynecological problems.
The stone perfectly fights colds, increases immunity, and also stabilizes blood pressure.
Magical properties
In addition to its healing properties, this material also has magical properties. For some signs of the zodiac, he is able to bring good luck and inspire new discoveries.
Magicians believe that this volcanic rock is endowed with the powers of two distant planets and one star: Saturn, Uranus and the Sun. And such a huge power of cosmic energy, if released and used incorrectly, can harm a person.
Large round ritual balls are made from this stone for their seances. These products are truly mystically beautiful. They are especially captivating when the obsidian sphere rotates. Mysterious images diverge around the ball in different directions and float away to nowhere.
This mineral is of particular importance to 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, leads a person away from communicating with strangers who could bring trouble to the owner. The healing mineral has a positive effect on the energy of the body and removes negative energy.
It is believed that the one who possesses this stone becomes disciplined. The owner of a 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 amulet 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 creative potential in full force. It was believed that with an obsidian pen it was possible to convey to paper those thoughts that would not fall on a white sheet of a paper sheet when using an ordinary pen.
Even scientists and naturalists desire to have a magical talisman made of volcanic glass. A rosary made from the material of this breed allows you to increase clairvoyance and witchcraft powers.
Who is suitable for the sign of the zodiac
In addition to its magical properties, this natural product is revealed to the owner, affecting his psyche and slowing down or, on the contrary, accelerating the energy processes occurring in the body.
With some signs of the zodiac, such a stone is completely compatible, while it is contraindicated for others to wear it.
("++" - the stone fits perfectly, "+" - can be worn, "-" - absolutely contraindicated):
| Zodiac sign | Compatible |
|---|---|
| Aries | ++ |
| Taurus | ++ |
| Gemini | ++ |
| Cancer | — |
| a lion | ++ |
| Virgo | — |
| Scales | + |
| Scorpio | + |
| Sagittarius | ++ |
| Capricorn | ++ |
| Aquarius | ++ |
| Pisces | ++ |
- He will reward Aquarius, Taurus and Gemini with determination and openness to new achievements.
- It will bring only excessive irritability to Aries, this stone is also contraindicated for Cancers and Virgos, as it will bring excessive dreaminess.
- For Sagittarius, Scorpio and Capricorn, it also helps to direct life in a positive and active direction. However, if a scorpion abuses wearing a jewel, then the gem will make him selfish.
- Pisces will give decisiveness in life and actions, but it is contraindicated for constant wear next to him. With Libra, the igneous rock behaves neutrally, and the devil's claw will give Leo prudence and pacify their quick temper.
Talismans and charms
The mineral is popular among bankers because it allows them to avoid undue attention from others.
Obsidian is the talisman of creative people, writers, artists, inventors, who gives inspiration and many creative ideas.
He protects the military and travelers from dangers.
Also, obsidian helps flight attendants, pilots and captains, making them fearless and hardy. Obsidian amulets have a beneficial effect on people suffering from mental disorders.
Amulets with a stone will protect from fires and lightning, and will also bring good luck in money and love affairs.
Obsidian is an excellent protector from damage, the evil eye, curses and the influence of dark forces. It will cleanse its owner from “dirty” energies and the negative impact of others, and will also return joy to life to those who have lost hope for a brighter future.
Jewelry with obsidian
The gem is in demand in jewelry. The stone is considered ornamental and is used to make various jewelry, especially bracelets and necklaces.
Obsidian looks best in silver. It is rarely framed in gold. This metal unfavorably sets off the natural beauty of volcanic glass, and also causes cracks and chips on it.
The mineral is often found in men's rings and rings. Such a product will add courage and nobility to the representatives of the stronger sex.
Jewelers often argue about whether obsidian should be considered a precious gem or semi-precious. Jewelry from it, although inexpensive, looks quite elegant.
No fashionista will refuse a ring or pendant made of obsidian.
Other uses of stone
- Obsidian is widely used in industry to make dark glass. They make surgical instruments out of it.
- In construction, volcanic glass is used for the production of heat-insulating materials.
- The gem is valued as an ornamental stone, from which various souvenirs and other decorative products are made.
Despite the fact that obsidian is considered a “devilish” stone, Orthodox icons are made from it, due to the fact that it lends itself well to processing (polished, polished).
These products look amazing! It doesn’t matter what a beautiful creation is made of, but its meaning is important.
obsidian price
Since the gem is ornamental, its cost is low - from 1 euro per kilogram.
The rarest and most valuable type of obsidian is iridescent, which is valued more. Its price for one gram of obsidian ranges from 8 to 12 euros, depending on the deposit and processing.
They say that there is the rarest type of stone - Chilean green obsidian, which is valued more than a diamond.
artificial obsidian
In addition to stone fakes, which were mentioned in antiquity by the ancient encyclopedist Pliny, there is currently an artificial gem, which is obtained by mixing various volcanic rocks - glass, ash, etc.
They sell such pebbles called “helenite” or Helen's stone.
Also, artificial obsidian is obtained on an industrial scale by melting sand, plain glass and other materials. Bijouterie, jewelry and crafts are made from it, passing them off as products made from natural obsidian.
Sometimes matte or mottled glass slag is passed off as volcanic glass.
How to distinguish a fake
It is quite rare to fake natural stones, since obsidian is an inexpensive mineral, however, there are times when black-colored glass is given out as a gem.
It is quite easy to distinguish a fake, you just have to hold a pebble in your hand - a natural stone will remain cold for a long time.
The natural mineral has a clear luster and a rich matte color. When lowered into water, a fake gem will lose its color purity and luster.
If the pebble you purchased is too transparent, then most likely it is a fake.
Real obsidian is rarely homogeneous - they always contain some inclusions.
Stone care
Kamushek loves to be treated properly. It must be handled as carefully as possible, since the gem does not like sudden changes in temperature and is afraid of shock.
Obsidian jewelry should be cleaned from time to time with special soft cloths without the use of chemicals.
You can use a solution of soap in cool water. After washing, the product must be wiped dry.
If obsidian is worn as a talisman, then once a week it is worth putting it under running water for several hours in order to cleanse it of the negative energy accumulated in it.
Interesting Obsidian Facts
Obsidian is known to the ancient Aztecs. The gem was called “ltzli”, which means “knife” in translation. Our ancestors used this stone as a weapon and as a decorative ornament.
Knives made of volcanic rock became a cult object and were used in sacrificial rituals. Although the ancestors processed the stone by hand, leaving bumps behind them, such knives neatly and instantly cut human and animal flesh.
The Aztecs loved to make knives from this stone, because sharp cuts formed on the chips. 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 things are short-lived, but with proper care and proper use, products from this volcanic rock will stay with you for years.
A black obsidian mirror is considered a witch mirror. In it you can see both the past and the present, as well as the future. It is successfully used by fortune tellers to predict the future.
They also say that the obsidian mirror is a portal to enter parallel worlds. This mirror costs a lot of money.
The mysterious and mysterious obsidian has experienced a lot in its long life - they looked into the future through it, fought in merciless battles with its help, admired it at magnificent festivities and bowed to it in numerous temples.
Despite everything, he dispassionately looks at all the vanity of the world... Although the devilish stone can do a lot, it is not in its power to change human nature and stop the wheel of samsara.
The ancients considered obsidian a dangerous gem, but its black color is just another side of the world of our soul, and it is with the help of an amazing mineral that we can fearlessly look into the face of our fate - into the unknown of our own soul.
