Geological Profile
Mineral Type: Natural Volcanic Glass
Chemical Composition: Mostly SiO₂ (Silicon Dioxide), but not a true mineral
Crystal System: Amorphous (non-crystalline)
Hardness: 5 – 5.5 (Mohs Scale)
Transparency: Opaque to translucent (depending on variety)
Colour: Usually black, but also occurs in brown, red, grey, silver, gold, and iridescent shades
Common Sources:
Obsidian is found in volcanic regions across the globe, including Mexico, USA, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Turkey, and Armenia. Different regions tend to produce specific varieties, such as Silver Sheen and Rainbow Obsidian from Mexico, and Snowflake Obsidian from USA.
Formation:
Obsidian forms when felsic lava cools rapidly without time for crystalline structure to develop. The result is a volcanic glass with smooth, conchoidal fracture and a high silica content. Natural inclusions, bubbles, or mineral traces during formation create the different sheen and pattern variations.
Interesting Fact:
Obsidian was highly prized by ancient cultures for its ability to be honed into sharp blades and ceremonial tools. Even today, obsidian scalpels are used in some delicate surgeries due to their precise cutting ability.
Metaphysical Insight
Obsidian is known as a deeply protective and grounding stone. It is often used for shadow work, psychic protection, and clearing energetic debris. While the different types of Obsidian vary in tone and focus, they all share a core energy of truth, clarity, and energetic shielding.
Energy Associations
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Chakras: Root (primarily), Third Eye (for sheen varieties)
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Zodiac Signs: Scorpio, Capricorn, Sagittarius
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Element: Earth & Fire
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Planetary Influence: Pluto, Saturn
Emotional & Spiritual Benefits
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Offers strong energetic protection
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Encourages deep self-reflection and truth-seeking
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Assists in releasing outdated patterns or emotional heaviness
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Grounds scattered energy and brings clarity
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Excellent for boundary-setting and energy cord cutting
Common Uses
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Worn or carried for psychic shielding
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Used in shadow work, journaling, or inner truth exploration
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Placed at doorways or sacred spaces to absorb negative energy
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Included in rituals for clearing, grounding, or transformation
Affirmation:
"I release what no longer serves me and stand strong in my truth."
Varieties of Obsidian
Black Obsidian:
The most common form — opaque, glassy black. Used for protection, cutting energetic cords, and grounding. Often placed in homes or carried for shielding and energetic strength.
Silver Sheen Obsidian:
Reflective dark grey or silver surface caused by gas bubble inclusions. Excellent for self-reflection, psychic protection, and bringing hidden truths to light. Often used for shadow work and inner clarity.
Gold Sheen Obsidian:
Shimmering golden tones overlay the black base. Supports personal power, purpose, and revealing unconscious blocks around success. Used in confidence-building and manifestation practices.
Rainbow Obsidian:
Black with a colourful iridescent sheen when polished. Associated with heart healing, emotional clarity, and revealing layers of the self gently. A more compassionate energy among the Obsidian family.
Mahogany Obsidian:
Reddish-brown and black mottled appearance. Grounding and stabilising, yet gentler than pure Black Obsidian. Good for strength during emotional healing or recovery.
Snowflake Obsidian:
Black Obsidian with white or grey "snowflake" patterns caused by internal crystallisation of cristobalite. Balances dark and light within, promoting inner peace, calm, and perspective.
Disclaimer
Crystals are a natural form from the earth. The item you receive may be different from the exact image you see. Crystals have their own imperfections, shapes and colours and no two pieces are identical. All crystal properties are metaphysical in nature and they can be used alongside but not replace medical advice.