Obsidian holds captured volcanic energy within its inky depths.
OBSIDIAN (\əb-ˈsi-dē-ən\) is a type of volcanic glass that is found across the world, wherever rhyolitic eruptions have occurred. Its chemical composition is SiO2 + (MgO, Fe3O4). It ranks between 5 and 6 hardness on the Mohs scale.
Obsidian gets its name from a Roman explorer named Obsius, who discovered a similar mineral in Ethiopia, naming it obsianus lapis. Pliny the Elder (CE 23-79) wrote a few sentences in his Natural History about what he termed “obsian”, a volcanic glass that resembled the Ethiopian mineral.
Obsidian is formed after a volcanic eruption, when rhyolitic lava cools with little to no crystal development. This glass is brittle, and has sharp edges when it breaks. Obsidian has been historically used by many cultures as arrowheads, blades, and other sharp tools.
Metaphysical Properties
Obsidian is an incredible stone for grounding and for absorbing negative energies. Many use it to recover from bad relationships, trauma, grief, and frustrating situations. Others use it for protection against negative energies and hexes that they fear from others. Obsidian provides for emotional healing and psychic protection.
In meditation, this stone is very grounding and provides an excellent base for most metaphysical work. It connects the user to the Earth and provides inner peace and strength. It is also used for scrying and making connections to higher planes and the spirit world. Some also use it for psychic use and forming prophecies.
This stone will absorb any negativity nearby, and will work to purify the user’s aura and spaces. When used in conjunction with other stones, it provides a positive and clean environment to build spells and direct energies.
Care and Cleansing
Obsidian is easily cleaned with soapy water and a soft cloth. For pieces that are not tumbled, a soft toothbrush may be used. This stone is easily scratched, and care should be taken when storing with other crystals.
Obsidian is best cleansed by letting it soak in a bowl of spring water for a few hours or by letting it sit in the sunlight. This stone is very good at absorbing energies, and it will likely need to be cleansed often.
We also have it available at our brick and mortar shop.
