Lava Stone: Meanings, Origins and Benefits

Lava stone, with its rugged good looks and distinctive texture, has captivated the eye since the dawn of time. Black or dark grey, this volcanic rock not only adds a touch of raw elegance to DIY costume jewelry creations, it is also highly prized in lithotherapy for its protective and strengthening virtues.

How about making your own jewelry? Discover our selection of lava stone beads and jewelry components to create and enrich your natural stone jewelry collections. Let our tutorials inspire you!

The origin of lava stone

The name "lava stone" directly evokes its origin: volcanic lava. It is the rapid cooling of magma in contact with air or water during volcanic eruptions that gives rise to this unique rock, with its characteristic porous texture and dark color.
It is also known as basalt ("basanos" in ancient Greek meaning "rough stone").

History of lava stone

Stemming from the fire of volcanoes, this natural stone was often perceived by many civilizations as a vestige of divine wrath, symbolizing the power and raw energy of nature unleashed.

The history of this volcanic stone goes back to antiquity. The Romans believed that basalt offered protection against the evil eye and evil forces, while conferring strength and courage on its possessor.
In Mexico, lava stone was used in the construction of temples and pyramids by pre-Columbian civilizations such as the Aztecs and Mayans.
Easter Island ers used lava stone to carve tools and ornaments.
In Hawaii, lava stone is considered sacred, associated with the fire goddess Pele. It is used in various rituals to provide protection and ward off evil spirits.

In the Middle Ages, it was used to construct buildings and decorations such as churches, statues and fountains. Such is the case of Notre-Dame de L'Assomption cathedral in Clermont-Ferrand.
Even today, this black stone is used in the building and construction industry. It is used to make paving stones, garden gravel and even refractory bricks for barbecues. It is also used for transport infrastructures such as railroads.

What color is lava stone?

Distinguishable from all others by its small honeycombed cavities, this volcanic stone is most often adorned in shades of gray,brown or deep black. Its dark color is sometimes enriched by reflections or lighter shades.
Lava stone can be tinted, offering the possibility of creating a varied range of colors. Indeed, its porous texture enables it to absorb colorants to create different shades.

What are the properties of lava stone?

Lava stone is a volcanic rock. It is characterized by its porosity and lightness, resulting from its rapid formation process. Its hardness ranges from 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Its density varies between 2.7 and 3.1g/cm³, making it a light stone.

Where to find lava stone?

Lava stone deposits can be found in all active volcanic sites around the world, including Hawaii, Iceland, Bali, Italy, the United States, the West Indies...

What are the benefits of lava stone?

Certain beliefs attribute numerous virtues and energetic properties to this natural stone. In lithotherapy, it is used to strengthen one's anchorage to the earth. It is also said to promote concentration and perseverance, making it an ideal stone for meditation.
Traditionally associated with the volcanic fire from which it is derived, lava stone is said to stimulate inner strength. It is said to be useful for strengthening willpower and courage.
It is said to help repel negative influences and protect the wearer from potentially harmful energies.

Some also use it inaromatherapy. Its porous texture allowsessential oils to be absorbed and slowly diffused throughout the day.

Which chakra for lava stone? This black stone is mainly associated with the root chakra and the solar plexuschakra. It is used to strengthen the root chakra, promoting stability, security and a heightened sense of connection to the Earth. Associated with the solar plexus, it increases courage.

Please note: our gemstones are not sold for lithotherapy. Natural stones are no substitute for medical expertise or treatment.

How do I purify and recharge a lava stone?

To maintain the energetic benefits of a lava stone, lithotherapists recommend purifying and recharging it regularly.
To purify it, use white sage or incense to pass the stone through the smoke. You can also bury the lava stone in the ground (in your garden or in a flowerpot) and leave it there for 24 hours. Earth, as a naturally purifying element, will help absorb and neutralize negative energies.

To recharge, expose it to direct sunlight for a few hours. The sun is a powerful energy recharger. To amplify this ritual, you can place it on a rock crystal or amethyst geode.

How do I use a lava stone?

When combined withstainless steel or925 silver, this natural stone appeals to both men and women. But you can also choose to mix it with Gold-Filled or Gold Plated: the golden and black colors blend perfectly, bringing chic and elegance to DIY creations.

Which stone to combine with lava stone ? In lithotherapy, lava stone is often combined with other stones to maximize its energetic effects and benefit from complementary properties:

• Withtiger's eye: to improve grounding while providing a shield against negative energies.
• With turquoise: to help balance and soothe, reinforcing positive energies and reducing the effects of stress.
• With rose quartz: to help temper passion with soothing gentleness, promoting harmony and understanding in relationships.
• Withamethyst: to enhance meditation and relaxation, creating a balance between physical and spiritual energy.

Also ideal with black stones such ashematite,onyx orblack obsidian.

Which stone not to combine with lava stone ? In lithotherapy, certain combinations of stones are avoided, as they could have contradictory effects or interfere with each other's energies. These include blue chalcedony, selenite, moonstone andlapis lazuli.