Obsidian: features, properties and varieties

The world of stones fascinates with its mystery and beauty, which nature has endowed them with. The variety is so widespread that many are not as well known as diamond, ruby, garnet, or malachite. One of these mysterious stones is a mineral with an unusual name - obsidian.

The name of this stone only enhances its mystery. Obsidian is also called "devil's claw", "apache tear" and bottle stone. There are different versions of the origin of the name of this stone.

The adherents of the first version suggest that it comes from the word "obsis", which is translated from Greek means "spectacle". Perhaps this name arose due to the fact that in ancient times mirrors were made from obsidian.

According to the second version, the stone is so named after the Roman Obsia or Obsidia, who was the first to bring this stone to Italy from Africa (Ethiopia).

This mineral has been known since ancient times.

Obsidian is a rock igneous rock and a type of volcanic glass that is produced by the rapid cooling of volcanic lava. This stone looks very beautiful and can be spotted or striped. It can contain quartz inclusions, as well as inclusions of dark colored minerals and feldspars.

In the process of solidification of lava, air bubbles can enter it, which remain in the mineral even after it has completely cooled down. It is the bubbles that give the stone such effects as a golden glow (for a sparkling obsidian), silvery (for a silvery mineral) and an iridescent sparkle (for a rainbow stone).

Obsidian is a mixture of various minerals, therefore it is very variable in morphological and chemical properties. In its composition, obsidian contains a large amount of silicic acid (up to 75%), its other main element is alumina. Its content ranges from 10% to 18%. In general, obsidian is similar in composition to granite.

... In striped specimens, the stripes are located in the direction in which the lava flowed. The mineral has an amorphous (glassy) and dense structure, and its texture is foamy or massive.

The abrasion resistance of the stone is low and it is very fragile. When cleaved, obsidian forms splinters in the form of a mollusk (bivalve) shell, the edges of which are very sharp. The surface of the mineral has a glassy sheen and lends itself well to polishing.

Obsidian is widely used. It is used in jewelry for the manufacture of various jewelry: necklaces, beads and earrings, pendants and bracelets, rings. It is also used as an ornamental stone.

In industry, the mineral is used as a raw material for obtaining dark colored glass. And for construction, a heat-insulating material is produced from it.

Obsidian magic accessories are widely used by magicians and diviners.

Obsidian belongs to the category of semi-precious decorative and ornamental stones. It is subdivided into types depending on color. The oxides of magnesium and iron contained in the stone affect the color of the stone. It is usually colored black and may have patterned streaks. Obsidian has several main varieties.

• Black obsidian. This is the most common species in nature. This color is considered to be the main color of obsidian. The presence of iron oxide in the stone gives it a deep black color. The combination of the qualities of glass and stone in obsidian makes it unique: a deep black color has a glass shimmer in a translucent compacted texture, like that of precious stones.

• Rainbow stone. It is very rare in nature and therefore highly valued. The palette of its color shades surprises with its diversity. The mineral is a variety of black obsidian and includes several subspecies. In the process of natural illumination by intense sunlight and after prolonged natural polishing, the stone acquires luminous multicolored stripes and a bright play of colors: red and green, blue and gold, which are combined in different ways in different instances.

• Snow Obsidian is considered one of the most beautiful types of this stone. On the rich velvety-black background of the stone surface, dull white inclusions of cristobalite are chaotically scattered, having different sizes and in appearance resembling snowflakes. Therefore, the stone received such a name.

• Peanut... A mineral of this type is formed as a result of point dissemination of cristobalite. In their shape, these inclusions are very similar to peanut kernels. Peanut obsidian is quite common in nature.

In addition to these main types of obsidian, there are also stones with unusual colors. The variety of colors and shades is explained by the fact that the process of solidification of lava is accompanied by the ingress of various impurities and foreign inclusions into it. In nature, there are also such rare types of mineral:

• red obsidian, mined only in Mexico;

• fiery, which is the most expensive of all types;

• mahogany or leopard obsidian - the stone is either brown or reddish with the inclusion of black veins and spots;

• golden stone, which is colored gray and has gas bubbles inside, giving the crystal a golden glow.

And also there are blue and green obsidians, stones with spots, inclusions and alternating layers of different shades and sizes.

Since obsidian is the result of volcanic activity and lava eruption, in nature it is formed where there are active volcanoes, dormant or extinct. Therefore, the area of ​​its distribution is rather wide.

Large deposits of this stone are located in countries with high volcanic activity such as Mexico, Ecuador, Japan (Hokkaido island), Turkey, Armenia. The most beautiful and valuable specimens are considered to be Californian minerals, as well as stones mined in the waters of the Mississippi in the states of Nevada and Arizona.

Mexico has the largest deposits of obsidian, and rare species of it - red and brown-red - are found here.

In our country, the mineral is mined in the regions of Kamchatka and the Kuriles, the Caucasus and Karelia, in Siberia. In Kamchatka, production is carried out in the Itkovaemskaya deposit on the Sredinny ridge, as well as in the Nachikinskoye field, near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Minor deposits of obsidian are present in Transbaikalia and the Khabarovsk region.

In addition, the stone is found in other countries and regions: in Peru and Iceland, Hawaii and Indonesia. Large deposits are located in Iran and Georgia.

The volcanic origin of the mineral also explains its properties.

In terms of its mineral composition, it is similar to granite.

The chemical composition of the mineral includes the following elements:

• SiO2 (silicon oxide) is its basis, the content of which ranges from 65% to 75%;
• magnesium oxides (MgO) and iron (Fe3O4);
• mica - about 5-10%,
• water contained in very small quantities - up to 1%.

The characteristic of its physical properties includes the following parameters:

• hardness - about 5-5.5 (on the Mohs scale);
• density - from 2.5 to 2.6 g per cubic centimeter.

The structure of the stone is massive amorphous with a homogeneous texture, low strength. The mineral does not have electrical conductivity, is not radioactive, melts at temperatures from 1200 to 1500 degrees Celsius. It can be opaque, translucent or transparent. It has a glassy luster, is polished and can be cut.

Many properties are attributed to obsidian. It is believed that he also has healing powers. Its medicinal natural properties have been used in alternative and folk medicine by healers and healers for a long time. Nowadays, a special direction has appeared in medical practice - lithotherapy, which uses the special properties of stones.

The volcanic mineral is used in various cases.

• Treatment of colds due to hypothermia.
• Normalization of the functions of the digestive system, regulation of the secretion of gastric juice, as well as the treatment of ulcers of the digestive system.
• Stabilization and elimination of blood pressure surges. Bracelets made of this stone can be worn by both hypertensive and hypotensive patients.
• Relief from inflammation of rheumatism, gout or diseases of the spine.
• Relief of nervous tension, excitement and strengthening of calmness and emotional balance. Obsidian helps to normalize the nervous system and improve sleep.
• Treatment of inflammatory processes associated with burns, wounds and other injuries. In this case, products made of it are recommended to be worn near the affected areas.

During treatment, both obsidian products and raw stones are used.Silver enhances the healing properties of the mineral, therefore, it is recommended to use jewelry in a silver frame. However, it must be remembered that obsidian cannot be worn continuously, since it can have a negative side effect on kidney function.

In addition, only paired jewelry is worn. The effectiveness of its medicinal properties is also enhanced by rock crystal, if worn together.

Black obsidian is credited with special qualities. Since ancient times, Hindus believe that this type of stone cleanses the biofield and the human body, protecting it from negative energy flows coming from outside, and also eliminates negative clots of energy inside the body. To achieve this effect, it is applied to the groin or navel.

In addition, obsidian brings the entire human energy and its aura into a harmonious state, if it is applied for some time along the entire length of the mid-vertical line of the body.

In addition to the healing properties inherent in all these stones, black obsidian is also used to enhance immunity, in the treatment of asthma, diseases of the female and male reproductive system.

Snow obsidian also has its own characteristics. It has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system, is used in the treatment of varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, and skin diseases. And also its feature is the ability to fight bacterial infections and prevent the occurrence of herpes.

Rainbow obsidian is widely used for injuries: bruises, fractures, sprains. If a stone is placed in the region of the heart on the chest, then it stabilizes the functioning of the organ, and it is especially useful in a state of stress.

Another property of obsidian that is important to humans is its magical power. It is believed that the stone is capable of absorbing energy and storing information. Magic widely uses in its practice magic mirrors, balls and other accessories made of obsidian, as a way to learn the past and predict the future.

According to the magicians, this mineral has the cosmic power of the Sun, Uranus and Saturn. When used for evil purposes, the stone can harm a person.

Not everyone is allowed to use magical attributes from obsidian. But if you use the power of the stone correctly, then it can warn a person against wrong actions, take away evil and dangerous people for a given person, and relieve an aggressive state.

This amulet helps ordinary people to look at themselves with someone else's eyes. For creative talented individuals (writers, philosophers), amulets help to express their creative abilities to the fullest.

He promotes the knowledge of the truth, shows a person his mistakes and shortcomings, and also indicates ways to solve problems. The black mineral is especially useful for people with a high degree of sensitivity, for all the ailing soul.

Black stone amulets make it possible to recognize your "inner self" and the black thoughts of the human soul... On the other hand, it instills compassion and mercy, strengthens vitality.

Obsidian accumulates in itself both the positive and all the negative.Therefore, after each time it is used, the amulet should be cleaned.

The iridescent type of obsidian has softer energetic properties, but its protective abilities remain very strong. Usually magicians recommend wearing it to get rid of the suffering of unrequited or past love.

The snow mineral is used to kick out outdated patterns and long-standing unhealthy habits. It stimulates mental processes and allows you to correctly assess actions and the surrounding reality, helps to understand your mistakes, showing ways to correct them, and gives you self-confidence.

It is believed that the energy of brown obsidian is associated with the energy of the Earth, with which the mineral is in close contact. Magicians advise using it to improve the personality, to strengthen the family tree.

According to magicians, the silvery mineral makes it possible to penetrate the human soul, promotes meditation and is the "third eye". It strengthens the body both astral and physical.

Despite its undoubted benefits, not everyone can wear this mineral. This is due to the astrological characteristics of the stone, and it does not suit every sign of the zodiac. It has different effects on people born under different zodiac signs.

Therefore, astrologers advise you to familiarize yourself with several recommendations before purchasing obsidian amulets or jewelry.

• This mineral has the most beneficial effect on those born under the sign Capricorn... Amulets help Capricorns to change their own lives for the better by freeing them from the negative properties of their nature.

• Takes care of obsidian and Aquarius. Under the influence of the stone, they are able to discover intuitive abilities in themselves. For this sign, stones of a deep blue color are more suitable.

• Pisces will make you more courageous and decisive in actions and life situations.

• Aries will be able to tame their complex temper under the auspices of the stone, becoming more balanced, meek and self-possessed, and will also endow them with discernment. Obsidian will help them advance in their careers and financial success. But in order not to provoke stubbornness, intemperance and selfishness, you cannot wear obsidian amulets every day.

• Taurus you can resort to the help of a gem only if life changes are coming.

• Gemini the mineral will give decisiveness to make changes for the better. Only the black type of obsidian is recommended for him.

• Cancer this stone will only bring harm and make life difficult, it is not recommended for Cancers to wear it.

• Black mineral will relieve Leo from the machinations of haters and from diseases caused by slander. In addition, Leo will not be so hot-tempered.

• Virgo, like Cancer, the stone is contraindicated. He will only provoke nervousness and aggressiveness, and will also increase her romance and innate suspicion.

• You can also wear obsidian charms Libra... A snow stone is recommended for them, although it will not bring much change to them.

• Scorpion under the influence of a gem, he can find emotional peace and even meet his soul mate. The stone will give him clarity of thought and the ability to adequately accept reality.

• Sagittarius experiences only the positive effect of the gem, which activates the mental abilities and foresight of Sagittarius. A mineral of red or brown color is recommended for them.

For example, for men named Ilya, he will give vitality and strength, help to overcome difficult periods and cause a desire to change their lives. Obsidian has a positive effect on Natalia and Maxim, Daria and Tatiana. The action of the stone is able to protect them from rash actions and make the right decision. The gem is also patronized by men with names - Gregory and Stepan, Yegor and Denis, and women with the names Nadezhda and Antonina.

Obsidian amulets and talismans are recommended to be worn by people associated with banking, inventors and people of creative professions: artists, writers, poets.

Obsidian is inexpensive, but although not so often, it is still counterfeited. Most often, colored glass or quartz, especially smoky, is given out as a natural stone. However, only amulets and charms made from natural minerals have specific properties. Therefore, it is so important to be able to distinguish a natural stone from a fake.

There are several signs and ways to identify a fake.

• Natural obsidian, unlike fake, is constantly cold to the touch. Even if you hold it in your hand for a while, it will not get warm.
• A fake product quickly loses its shine after being placed in water.
• Natural stone is distinguished by color: it always stands out for its brightness and saturation. The surface of the stone is shiny.
• A fake gem is most often evenly colored and has no shades. Natural stone has many specks, specks and streaks.

Using these completely simple guidelines will help you choose products with natural obsidian.

Obsidian is one of those stones that require careful handling. It should be noted that the mineral reacts negatively to sharp temperature jumps and bright sunlight, which can negatively affect its external beauty.

Obsidian items should be washed periodically with soft cloths. Do not use any chemicals. Jewelry can be treated with lukewarm soapy water. Then rinse with running water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. It is advisable to do the processing of the gem in a month and a half.

It is recommended to place obsidian charms weekly for a few minutes (10-15) under running water. Water will cleanse the stone of all negative energy accumulated in it. Store products made from this stone in isolation from other jewelry.

Such care and proper storage will allow obsidian jewelry and other products to last for many years.

In the video below you can see an overview of this stone.