What is Obsidian ?
Obsidian is an igneous rock occurring as natural volcanic glass, formed when cryptocrystalline silica minerals are held in suspension and super-cooled. This occurs during the late stages of volcanic eruption, resulting in an extremely rich silica content. Although typically black in color, Obsidian can take on splotches of reddish brown (Mahogany Obsidian), light grey (Snowflake Obsidian), or greenish-yellow, and may exhibit a sheen or shimmer due to a combination of mineral inclusion and tiny gas bubbles. These shimmery Obsidians are typically referred to as Rainbow Obsidian or Gold Sheen Obsidian, and they are highly prized by collectors, often being used to craft gemstone jewelry, crystal towers, or stone carvings. It should be noted that Marekanite (aka Apache Tears) is an Obsidianite, forming within perlite and taking on a uniquely textured surface.
Many manmade stones use the name Obsidian, but this should be considered an informal moniker since they are crafted by humans and do not occur in nature. Some of these manmade Obsidians are: Strawberry Obsidian (aka Cherry Quartz), Aqua Blue Obsidian (aka Andara), Clear Obsidian, Autumn Obsidian (aka Amber Obsidian or Honey Obsidian), Yellow Obsidian (aka Pineapple Obsidian), Green Obsidian, Indigo Obsidian (aka Ocean Obsidian), and Lavender Obsidian (aka Purple Obsidian). If you are questioning how to tell whether your Obsidian is real, always remember: Natural Obsidian forms due to volcanic activity and will not be transparent. Although many people use manmade stones as part of their spiritual practice, and there is no harm in doing so, we always want to make sure our crystals are clearly labeled so that you can make informed decisions about what to add to your collection.
What is Obsidian Used For?
Black Obsidian is traditionally associated with the Root Chakra, stability, grounding, and shielding. For this reason, Black Obsidian crystals are used as a form of spiritual protection and are considered to be an excellent tool for dissolving negative energy, voids, and blockages. Black Obsidian is especially useful for protection against psychic attacks, evil eyes, energy vampirism, and malicious intent. Because it is both an Earth element and Fire Element stone, Black Obsidian is known for helping us to cleanse away negative cycles and emotional suffering, keeping us mentally focused and stable so that we can move ahead with positivity. The meaning and metaphysical properties of Obsidian make it an extremely useful support stone, and it is widely considered one of the best crystals to buy, especially for beginners.
Crystal Gemstone Shop
We do our best every day to make it easy and fun to order crystals online. This means carefully selecting our natural stones, healing crystals, and gemstone jewelry from responsible sources so we can curate a collection we're proud of. Our tiny team works hard inspecting every piece from crystal towers to tumbled stones, white sage to incense cones, gemstone spheres to crystal clusters, to make sure that when you buy crystals from us it will be a joyful experience. We want to be your favorite crystal shop, and we're so grateful that you've chosen us!
