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Gemstone Directory Obsidian | Obsidian |
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 Obsidian is natural volcanic glass which is produced when magma erupts onto the earth's surface and rapidly cools against air, water or colder rocks. Magma lies beneath the earth's surface and is hot enough to melt rocks, the deeper into the earth, the hotter it becomes. Once magma reaches the earth's surface, it then becomes known as lava, the only thing that has changed is the name. Burning hot magma is initially white but as it cools it turns yellow and then various shades of red. Eventually it cools enough to solidify completely and forms an igneous rock. If cooling is slow below the ground, which takes thousands to millions of years, minerals grow. If cooling is fast, as in days to weeks, at the earth's surface, the minerals do not have enough time to grow and so are microscopic in size. If cooling is very fast (hours to days), the elements and compounds are frozen in place, no minerals form and the result is volcanic glass or obsidian. Because obsidian lacks any proper crystal structure, it is not considered to be a true rock.
Iron and magnesium give obsidian a dark green to black colour although there are many different varieties of obsidian and it can be found in a wide range of colours depending on the amount of the respective minerals that it contains. Obsidian can contain small bubbles of air that are aligned along layers which are created as the molten rock was flowing just before being cooled. These bubbles can produce interesting effects such as a golden sheen which is known as sheen obsidian or a rainbow sheen better known as rainbow obsidian. Another mineral inclusion in the black glass produces a blotchy or snowflake pattern and this variety is known as snowflake obsidian. Obsidian has been used for thousands of years for a wide variety of tools. It was relatively easy to craft into knives, spear tips and arrows and was razor sharp. Even today obsidian blades are used in certain types of surgery because a polished obsidian blade is much sharper than the blade of a surgical scalpel and it produces a cleaner cut which results in less tissue damage and faster healing. The name obsidian is said to have come from a printing error involving the latin word 'obsianus', which was meant to be a reference to Obsius, who according to Pliny the Elder, discovered this rock in Ethiopia.Obsidian is found throughout the world and is a mystical and alluring gemstone. Pieces can often give the impression of being solid in colour when in fact they are translucent. Obsidian may well hold magical powers and in the world of crystal healing, it is believed to be an extremely powerful stone. It was used during the Middle Ages to drive out evil spirits and demons. Obsidian cuts to the heart of the matter, it can be an aid to those who are grieving and can help overcome obsessive behaviour. Obsidian is very powerful and will bring issues to the surface, it can be very confrontational to the user and so you should make sure you're ready for a full on assault when using it! Obsidian is extremely protective and prevents negative energy or spirits from entering an area where it has been placed especially if it is there for that purpose. It can help to remove emotional blockages, help to replace negative thoughts with more positive ones and will also help with regaining abilities that were thought to have been lost. Obsidian is known as the 'stone of truth' and therefore helps with issues of honesty and sincerity. It will also bring out the warrior to help one cope and fight the problems encountered in everyday life. It is good for stress, increases self control and enhances creativity. It also provides support during times of change and clarity bringing about a change in behavioural patterns that are no longer needed. Obsidian can help to remove traumas that have been suffered in past lives and provide compassion and strength. It can also help those who are inclined to be over sensitive. Obsidian is found in many places worldwide including Mexico, North America, Armenia, Turkey, Italy, Greece and Scotland. It can also be found in a number of US states, the largest deposits are within the Newberry volcano and Medicine Lake volcano in the Cascade range of western north America. The ancient volcanic hills called Glass Buttes in Oregon hold a large variety of different types of gem quality obsidian, including mahogany, red, black, rainbow and snowflake just to name a few. Obsidian is graded 5 to 5.5 on Mohs scale of mineral hardness. It is quite fragile so care must be taken to avoid knocks as it may crack. The following links offer reading on obsidian http://www.gemstoneeducation.com/Obsidian.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsidian http://www.galleries.com/minerals/MINERALO/OBSIDIAN/obsidian.htm
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