Obsidian

Obsidian is naturally occurring volcanic glass which has been used as a gemstone since antiquity. Obsidian was named after Obsius, a Roman who discovered a similar stone. Obsidian forms when lava cools and whilst it is mineral-like, it is not considered to be a true mineral because its composition is too complex and it does not have a crystalline structure. In addition to its decorative use, obsidian has a practical use. Due to its lack of cleavage, conchoidal fracture and acute edges when broken, it has been used to make smooth and sharp surgical scalpel blades. Obsidian has been used to make arrow heads and blades, as well as ornaments for thousands of years by people such as the pre-Columbian Mesoamericans and the ancient Egyptians.

obsidian picture

Obsidian Gemstone Properties

Color: Various

Hardness: 5 - 5.5

Specific Gravity: 2.35 - 2.60

Refractive index: 1.45 - 1.55

Obsidian Color & Occurence

Pure obsidian is a very dark color. It gets this color from the presence of iron and magnesium. Colorless obsidian is rare. Mahogany obsidian has dark-brown to black and red banding. Sheen obsidian is dark-brown to black with a golden or silver sheen (this is also called aventurescence). Rainbow obsidian is dark-brown to black with an iridescent sheen. The iridescence of obsidian can be gold, silver, blue, violet, green or combinations of these colors. The rainbow colors of rainbow obsidian come from the presence of augitic pyroxene. "Fire" or "flame" obsidian reflects bright colors due to the presence of nanometric magnetite crystal layers. Transparent pale yellow-green to brownish obsidian from Peru is referred to as macusanite. Translucent to opaque, black-streaked orange, red or brown obsidian nodules from the American Southwest are known as "Apache tears". Orange obsidian is referred to as "pumpkin obsidian" and plum-colored obsidian is called "plum obsidian".

Obsidian is found in places that have experienced volcanic eruptions. Such places include Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Canada, Chile, Georgia, Greece, El Salvador, Guatemala, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Scotland, Turkey and the United States.

Healing Power of Obsidian

Obsidian is thought to be a powerful stone that can offer protection against negativity. It is sometimes called "the stone of truth" because it encourages the surfacing of secrets and hidden emotions. Additionally, obsidian is also thought to be a balancing and grounding stone.

Mystical Power in Obsidian

Traditional Indian belief systems associate obsidian with the root chakra, which governs sexuality and stability. Centuries ago, black obsidian mirrors were used to contact the spirit world, and it is thought to be useful in resolving issues related to past lives. Obsidian is also considered to be particularly useful for those suffering from depression or addiction.

We Export Obsidian Worldwide

Lodha Gems is a gemstone shop in India (India), we have natural Obsidian in stock which are certified, our Obsidian are procured directly from mines and our natural Obsidian are free from any treatment, if you want to buy Obsidian then feel free to contact us at +91 94335 46997, we ship worldwide.