Obsidian is a mineral famous for its magical properties since ancient times, its history goes back to ancient times: the first stone was formed by solidification of magmatic formations more than 9 thousand years ago! It is known that the mineral was very popular among the ancient Romans as a raw material for the manufacture of decorative and applied arts: vases, caskets, figurines and much more. Artisans of the Maya and Aztec tribes used it as a material for the manufacture of tools and military weapons. Today it is incredibly popular in magic and astrology, it is actively used in jewelry and decorative and applied arts.
OBSIDIAN GOT ITS MODERN NAME IN HONOR OF THE ROMAN OBSIDIUM, WHO FIRST BROUGHT THE NUGGET TO EUROPE, AFTER WHICH THE STONE GAINED INCREDIBLE POPULARITY AROUND THE WORLD AS AN ORNAMENTAL MINERAL.
Obsidian (obsidianus lapis – lat.) Is a mineral of magmatic origin, black or dark gray in color with white blotches, otherwise referred to as volcanic glass. It has many alternative names in various cultures:
- Apache tears;
- Tokay sapphire ;
- Bottle stone;
- Montana Jade;
- Mountain tree;
- Mountain jet ;
- Goose stone.
THE MINERAL WAS ASSIGNED HOSTILE MAGICAL PROPERTIES: IT WAS BELIEVED THAT THE STONE ORIGINATED FROM THE UNDERWORLD ITSELF, THEREFORE IT WAS CALLED FRAGMENTS OF THE DEVIL’S NAILS
The color range of the mineral is not extensive: in nature you can find samples of black, gray, and occasionally red-brown shades with possible white, brown or black splashes, reminiscent of flowing drops of watercolor paint.
Obsidian is not resistant to high temperatures, brittle and easy to melt. Under strong impact, it is subject to crumbling, easily abraded.
Healing Properties of Obsidian
In lithotherapy, volcanic glass has been used since ancient times. Both in solid state and in powder form.
Its effect on the human body is extensive: it helps to quickly cope with colds, skin diseases and major injuries.
In addition, the beneficial effects of crystals on people suffering from such ailments as:
- Mental disorders;
- Hypertension;
- Neuroses;
- Kidney disease;
- Problems of the genitourinary system;
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, etc.
Magical Properties of Obsidian
From ancient times, the mineral was assigned powerful magical energy. He was considered the strongest amulet, saving his master, he was the negative impact of evil forces. On the territory of Transcaucasia, the stone became famous as a children’s amulet: from birth, babies were put on a tiny pendant with obsidian around their necks, which, according to legends, not only protected the child from the evil eye, but also helped to find good luck and prosperity in later life.
Ancient shamans and magicians, taking advantage of the unique property of the mineral to subjugate otherworldly forces, used it as a magic ball for various rituals, and a crystal ground into a powder is still very popular today as a means for fortune telling.
In addition, obsidian is able to positively influence people in various life situations:
- For public people who want to hide from intrusive attention, he is able to help go into the shadows;
- By placing the crystal under the pillow before going to bed, you can see dreams that reveal the future, or clarify moments from the past, as well as get closer to the spirits of ancestors;
- For people in financial difficulties, obsidian helps to quickly pay back debts and improve financial affairs; F
- or a person who has lost hope and vitality, an amulet made of volcanic glass will help to gain self-confidence and restore vital resources, directing the owner in a positive direction.
Obsidian Suits which Zodiac Signs
According to astrological tables, obsidian has a beneficial effect on the owners of such zodiac signs as:
- Scorpio;
- Leo
- Sagittarius;
- Gemini
For these people, the mineral helps to activate hidden energy resources, helps to normalize the emotional and physical state, helps to recover from severe nervous shocks.
With caution, amulets and talismans made of volcanic glass should be worn by people born under the signs of Aries, Virgo and Taurus, since it is possible that the negative qualities of the character of their owner will increase.
But people who were born during the period of the dominance of the sign of Cancer are strictly prohibited from being close to such a nugget.
How to Distinguish from a Fake Obsidian
Outwardly, obsidian resembles minerals such as morion and rauchtopaz . Sometimes their difference is impossible to notice with the naked eye. In this case, in order to distinguish the original from a fake, you will have to turn to the help of professionals, because with a microscopic examination it is easy to establish which crystal is in front of you: obsidian is an amorphous mineral, and morion and rauchtopaz are crystalline.
How to Care for Obsidian
Due to the fact that the mineral is characterized by increased fragility, it must be treated with extreme caution: it is not recommended to expose collection samples to excessive exposure to sunlight, it is strictly forbidden to scratch, hit and drop the crystal. Care of the stone must be carried out as soon as it becomes dirty, without using aggressive detergents, wipe the gem with a soft cloth using a small amount of water.