Obsidian

An Introduction to Obsidian

Obsidian forms when felsic lava solidifies quickly above Earth’s surface-either along the edges of the lava flow, around the volcano’s dome, or when lava comes in contact with water. The unique quality of felsic lava is its high concentration of silica. Within the lava, silica and oxygen combine, creating linked molecule chains called polymers. These linked molecules increase the viscosity, which slows the movement of the lava and the molecules within it. This keeps the silica molecules from forming crystals, as they would in Quartz. Instead, they form into a natural glass.

Obsidian is closely related to rhyolite and granite, although rhyolite and granite form when magma cools down much more slowly. Obsidian is rich in light elements derived from felsic lava, such as silicon, oxygen, aluminum, sodium, and potassium, which makes it an unusually lightweight gemstone.

As the lava cools, forming Obsidian, various impurities can become trapped. Some may crystalize into patterns like Snowlflake Obsidian, or change the color, such as in Mahogany Obsidian. Shimmering effects may also be created by these impurities or bubbles in the lava, most commonly creating Rainbow or Gold Sheen Obsidian.

Because of its extremely sharp edges and smooth, curved surface, obsidian was commonly used to forge sharp tools, such as knives and arrowheads used for hunting during prehistoric times.

Although the lack of crystalline structure makes Obsidian NOT technically a crystal, it’s beauty when carved, has taken it beyond practical use and given it a place among the gemstone family. Today, obsidian is still popular amongst jewelry makers, for both it’s beauty and it’s spiritual use as a protective Talisman.

Obsidian is well known for its safety and grounding properties. It can aid in protecting you against negative energy. This beautiful gemstone can help you to strengthen your root chakra, as well as supporting energy-grounding and both physical and emotional stability.

MENTAL

• Clears confusion, provides clarity, helps expand consciousness

• Protects against electromagnetic smog and other environmental stresses

PHYSICAL

• Aids with deep tissue healing

• Helps with digestion, and detoxifying the body

• Contributes to the flow of circulation

EMOTIONAL

• Often used for emotional healing sessions to help release and neutralize fears, negative emotions, and past experiences

• Gives the courage to explore the unknown

SPIRITUAL

• Stand safe and strong against psychic attacks

• Cleanses, soothes, protects and grounds the Root Chakra

• Strengthens the aura and heals the Solar Plexus

Snowflake Obsidian

MENTAL

• Helps to reframe negative patterns of thinking

• Allows you to see the value of your mistakes as well as your success

PHYSICAL

• Helps to treat veins, skin and eyes

• Helps with the circulatory and skeletal system

EMOTIONAL

• Increases calm during difficult situations

• Transforms isolation and loneliness into empowerment

SPIRITUAL

• Purifies energies and connects with Higher Vibrations

• Brings about a balance to Body, Mind and Spirit

• Remove negativity from yourself and your environment

CHAKRA

• Sacral

Mahogany Obsidian

MENTAL

• Revitalizes purpose, gives strength in times of need

• Helps you to know who you truly are

PHYSICAL

• Gentler healer than Black Obsidian

• Improves circulation

• Helps relieve pain

EMOTIONAL

• Transmutes negative energy and brings a sense of calm

• Often used for emotional healing sessions to help release and neutralize fears, negative emotions, and past experiences

SPIRITUAL

• Resonates with the Earth and cleanses and soothes the Root Chakra

• Strengthens the aura and heals the Sacral Chakra and Solar Plexus

• Increase your vibration for meditation

CHAKRA

• Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus

Gold Sheen Obsidian

MENTAL

• Enhances mental clarity by cutting through confusion and illusion

• Offers insight into the root of problems and guides the path forward

• Encourages humility and reduces ego-driven conflicts

PHYSICAL

• Provides strong grounding energy, stabilizing emotions and maintaining balance

• Acts as a protective shield against negative energies and psychic attacks

• Refreshes and cleanses the auric field, promoting overall energetic well-being

EMOTIONAL

• Facilitates deep introspection by revealing hidden truths, emotional blockages, and unresolved traumas

• Supports the integration of the shadow self, aiding in emotional healing

• Encourages patience and compassion during personal growth and transformation

SPIRITUAL

• Supports deep soul healing by exposing areas of the psyche that require transformation

• Assists in releasing past wounds, promoting spiritual growth

• Enhances spiritual protection, safeguarding the aura from negative influences

CHAKRA

• Root, Solar Plexus

Silver Sheen Obsidian

MENTAL

• Enhances mental clarity and sharpens focus, aiding in concentration and goal achievement

• Encourages deep introspection, helping to uncover hidden emotions and blockages

• Fosters courage and confidence, assisting in overcoming fears and anxieties

PHYSICAL

• Anchors the user in the present moment, helping to balance and stabilize emotions and energies

• Strengthens the mind-body connection, promoting mindfulness and overall mental health

• Acts as a powerful shield against negative energies, maintaining a protective barrier

EMOTIONAL

• Supports the release of hidden traumas and emotional blockages, facilitating personal growth

• Promotes emotional stability and resilience by grounding and balancing energies

• Encourages peace and well-being by cleansing the aura of negative emotional energy

SPIRITUAL

• Supports spiritual growth and self-discovery by connecting the user with their inner self and higher consciousness

• Aids in energy cleansing and spiritual protection, absorbing and dispelling negative energies

• Facilitates the journey of spiritual development, enhancing the connection to higher consciousness

CHAKRA

• Root, Sacral, Third Eye

Silver Sheen Obsidian is commonly associated with the Root Chakra for grounding, the Sacral Chakra for emotional balance, and the Third Eye Chakra for enhancing clarity and spiritual growth.

Rhyolite

A close cousin of Obsidian, also formed from lava.

MENTAL

• Fully embrace your unique gifts

• Enhances self-worth and self-esteem

PHYSICAL

• Helps to treat skin disorders and infections

• Increases physical strength and muscle tone

EMOTIONAL

• Heart Healing and Support

• Brings emotional balance and helps with emotional release

SPIRITUAL

• Promotes creativity within the soul and helps you come fully into yourself

• Enhances inner wisdom and strengthens Body, Mind and Soul

CHAKRA

• Solar Plexus