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Obsidian
A light, shiny black stone created when a volcanic flow is cooled very quickly, into what Geologists call, "volcanic glass". Black obsidian is called "Apache Tears" and with a sheen, called "Rainbow Obsidian". With white inclusions, called "Snowflake Obsidian". "Mahogany Obsidian" displays ochre banding. Obsidian is said to get its name from the Roman Obsius, who in Pliny's reports, discovered the stone in Ethiopia.
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Natural glass of volcanic origin that is formed by the rapid cooling of viscous lava. extremely rich in silica (about 35 to 80 percent) and is low in water. Made of the same minerals as granite but cooled so quickly that they do not have time to crystallize. Has a glassy luster and is slightly harder than window glass. Though obsidian is typically jet-black in color, the presence of hematite produces red and brown varieties, and the inclusion of tiny gas bubbles may create a golden sheen.
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Snowflake obsidian has the property of bringing things gently to the surface. Those things could be positive or negative, love, anger, secrets; goes anywhere in the body that has negativity stored (chemical, mental, emotional). Helps to open these areas so that the breath can fill and oxygenate. The oxygen goes to all physical organs and the blood. Provides for cellular cleansing.
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Snowflake obsidian can provide balance during times of change. It aids in seeing patterns in life and recreating them in a more beneficial way. a stone of serenity and purity, and can shield against negativity. Associated with the root chakra and is beneficial for the veins, skeleton, and smooth skin. Snowflake obsidian gives protection from physical and emotional harm.
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Obsidian is often used for gaining clear insight into problems and stability.
Obsidian is a good stone for those who are soft-hearted and gentle. It will help to guard them against abuse. This stone cleanses toxins from the liver, so it is also good for people who are exposed to environmental pollutants.
OBSIDIAN (MAHOGANY) is warming and cleanses all chakras. Grounding. It is s strong detoxifier burning up negativity and disharmony allowing the body to relax. It can rebuild DNA and is good for Parkinson's disease. It builds hope and vision into the future. It relieves depression. It strengthens vision and mental clarity. It helps repair muscle and tendon injuries. It helps one get to sleep. It increases physical stamina and is good for athletes. It especially helps to strengthen the legs.
Mystical Properties:
- Obsidian has long been fashioned into knives and arrowheads, but Obsidian also polishes to a shiny mirror surface. This mirror surface has been attributed to many spiritual uses by ancient civilizations.
- Used by the Aztecs in creating images of the God Tezcatlipoca, (which means "shining mirror"). To them the stone was sacred, called "iztli" or "teotetl" meaning "divine stone."
- The Snowflake variety is sometimes called the "Book of Laws Stone" by American Indians, who considered it a guardian to the Great Spirit and of their civilizations in general. This variety is also considered a powerful psychic talisman and Shamans often carried this stone.
- All Obsidian is considered extremely protective.
- Obsidian is most commonly thought to be a gemstone which reflects back to us (mirrors) our own flaws, in no uncertain terms, for Obsidian energy is not thought to be subtle energy. It is said to induce visions and dreams which reveal to us our own part in the difficult areas of our lives.
- Because of its mirror-like polish, this stone is often associated with divining the future in its clear, glassy surface.
Natural Healers use Snowflake Obsidian to help with the inner reflection needed to bring real change in difficult areas of our lives. Also used to shield the wearer from negativity and grief.
Considered a gem of Aquarius.
Healing Properties: Thought to benefit the intestines and digestive system. Snowflake Obsidian is said to vibrate well with all Chakras, but especially the 1st Chakra.
Scientific Properties: Volcanic Glass of varying composition. Created when a volcanic flow is cooled instantly. Obsidian is hard, but brittle, fracturing concoidally, making it useful for fashioning into arrowheads and knives.
The "snowflakes" in Snowflake Obsidian are called phenocrysts, which when polished, resemble snowflakes.
Relatively rare in a world-wide sense, Obsidian is only found when recent volcanic activity has occurred, as it tends to recrystallize rather quickly in the Geologic sense. Found in the Western U.S. (but not the Eastern) around Oregon and California. Hardness: varies depending upon composition.
Essential oils of: Spruce & Patchouli
Blends of: Spruce Mesa, Sunset Canyon, Valiant, Petroglyph, Five Powers
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