Obsidian: Virtues and properties

Obsidian, with its mysterious allure and fascinating nuances, stands out as an exceptional gemstone. Its unique brilliance and rich palette of colors make it a preferred choice in the world of jewelry. Once considered magical and powerful, this fine stone (formerly called semi-precious stone) continues to captivate jewelry designers and holds a special place in lithotherapy. In this article, explore the many facets of obsidian!

You'll also find our selection of obsidian beads and jewelry components, and be inspired by our free tutorials for creating your own natural stone jewelry.

The meaning of "obsidian

The name of this gemstone has several origins:

• For some, this natural stone refers to Obsius (or Obsidius), an ancient Roman who is said to have first discovered it in Ethiopia.
• For others, the name obsidian comes from the Latin "obsidio", meaning "encircled".

It is also known as volcanic glass.

The origins of obsidian

Known since prehistoric times, this natural stone was used to make tools and weapons. It was highly prized for its sharpness - sharper than glass.

For certain civilizations, it symbolized death and accompanied the deceased into the afterlife during religious rites.

In ancient Latin American cultures, this stone played a very important role. The Olmecs used it to make weapons, tools, ornaments, jewelry such as amulets and talismans, and decorative objects.
The Aztecs considered it a magical stone. It was fashioned into mirrors used to read the future during religious ceremonies. They also used it for barter, which contributed to the development of the Aztec Empire.

Among the Egyptians, it was cut into very sharp blades for embalming rituals.

What color is obsidian?

Different types of obsidian are found in nature. On the Perles & co website, you'll find the following three gemstones, each with its own symbolism:

• Black obsidian: it has a vitreous luster and a dark, opaque black color. This is the most common form of obsidian. This black stone is often confused with black tourmaline or black onyx due to its similar color. It is said to represent protection and strength.
• Snowflake obsidian: also called speckled obsidian or star obsidian, it can be recognized by its white or gray crystalline inclusions. It symbolizes balance and purity.
• Mahogany obsidian: brown or reddish streaks or spots due to iron or magnesium oxides. Its other name isMahogany obsidian. It evokes stability and earthiness.

Other varieties includerainbow obsidian (with colored iridescence),golden obsidian (with golden highlights),silver obsidian (with silver highlights) andcelestial eye obsidian (with concentric circles of gray or green).

It is translucent to opaque.

What are the properties of obsidian?

Obsidian is a natural volcanic stone, rich in silica. It has a moderate hardness, between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Its density is relatively low, between 2.35g/cm³ and 2.60g/cm³.

Where to find obsidian?

Obsidian is found in abundance around areas of recent volcanic activity. The main deposits are in Armenia, the United States, Japan, Iceland, Mexico, Peru, Indonesia, Russia, Guatemala, Hungary, Turkey and Greece.

What are the virtues of obsidian?

In lithotherapy, obsidian is considered a powerful protective stone. It is said to act primarily on negative energies, eliminating stress and anxiety. It is said to bring a sense of well-being and serenity, and to help you find inner peace. It also protects against evil eye and evil spells.

Which chakra for obsidian stone? Linked to the throat chakra, it promotes creativity, objectivity, serenity and respect. But each obsidian has its own particularity:

• Black obsidian anchors the root chakra, reinforcing a sense of security, offering protection and a connection to the earth.
• Mahogany Obsidian connects to the sacral chakra, fostering creativity and emotional stability.
• Snowflake Obsidian harmonizes the third eye chakra, balancing the mind and intuition.

How do I clean and recharge obsidian?

Over time, obsidian absorbs all negative energies. To restore its power, we recommend regular cleaning and recharging.

It can be cleansed by rinsing abundantly with clear water, or fumigated with incense sticks or white sage.

To restore obsidian's full benefits, expose it to the moon's rays for a few hours. To amplify this action, place your stone on a cluster of quartz.

How to wear obsidian

This gemstone goes perfectly with silver, which complements its brilliance perfectly. For a successful jewelry setting, choose 925 Silver or Stainless Steel jewelry primers.
The choice ofgold-colored primers, such as Gold Filled,925 Silver Gilded,Stainless Steel Gilded or Gold Plated, can also be a wise choice, especially for black or speckled obsidian. In fact, the combination of gold and black is ideal for chic, sophisticated jewelry, like this women's bracelet.

Which stone to combine with obsidian?

• With rose quartz, to enhance love and emotional healing.
• Withamethyst, for enhanced spiritual protection.

It can also be paired with stones of the same color, such as black tourmaline, lava stone,black onyx orhematite.

What stone shouldn't I wear with obsidian?

• Rock crystal, which can excessively amplify obsidian's powerful energy.
• With turquoise, whose soothing energy can contradict the intense truth revealed by obsidian.