GemSelect does not guarantee any claims or statements of healing or astrological birthstone powers and cannot be held liable under any circumstances. Should you have any medical conditions, please see a licensed medical practitioner. This information is not to replace the advice of your doctor. Traditional, Ceremonial and Mythological Gemstone Lore is collected from various resources and does not represent the sole opinion of SETT Co., Ltd. Disclaimer: Metaphysical and Alternative Crystal Healing Powers and Properties are not to be taken as confirmed advice. Obsidian is also considered to be particularly useful for those suffering from depression or addiction. 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. Traditional Indian belief systems associate obsidian with the root chakra, which governs sexuality and stability. Additionally, obsidian is also thought to be a balancing and grounding stone. It is sometimes called 'the stone of truth' because it encourages the surfacing of secrets and hidden emotions. Obsidian is thought to be a powerful stone that can offer protection against negativity. Obsidian Gemstone Mythology, Metaphysical and Alternative Crystal Healing Powers Back to Top Obsidian is not usually treated or enhanced in any way. Translucent to transparent materials are faceted. Cabochon cuts also best exhibit any sheen or iridescence. Obsidian Cut and Shapeĭue to the opacity of most types of obsidian, it is usually cabochon cut, fancy cut, sphere-cut, tumbled, made into cameos or carved. Obsidian can display chatoyancy (cat's eye effect). Bolivian obsidian has been found to contain orange spessartine inclusions.

Obsidian from Chile has also been found containing very rare inclusions of euhedral indialite crystals and transparent rods of sillimanite. It may also contain needle-like inclusions, gas bubbles, torpedo-shaped bubbles, teardrop-shaped bubbles or cristobalite crystal inclusions, which appear like 'snowflakes' in ' snowflake obsidian'. It may contain inclusions which cause a silver or gold sheen. Since obsidian is volcanic glass, it has a vitreous (glassy luster).

Orange obsidian is referred to as 'pumpkin obsidian' and plum-colored obsidian is called 'plum obsidian'. Translucent to opaque, black-streaked orange, red or brown obsidian nodules from the American Southwest are known as 'Apache tears'. Transparent pale yellow-green to brownish obsidian from Peru is referred to as macusanite. 'Fire' or 'flame' obsidian reflects bright colors due to the presence of nanometric magnetite crystal layers. The rainbow colors of rainbow obsidian come from the presence of augitic pyroxene. The iridescence of obsidian can be gold, silver, blue, violet, green or combinations of these colors. Rainbow obsidian is dark-brown to black with an iridescent sheen. Sheen obsidian is dark-brown to black with a golden or silver sheen (this is also called aventurescence). Mahogany obsidian has dark-brown to black and red banding. It gets this color from the presence of iron and magnesium. However, some basic types of obsidian include the following: Mottled (snowflake and peanut obsidian), banded or veined (mahogany, midnight lace and pumpkin obsidian), pebbles or small nodules (Apache tears) and sheen (sheen obsidian, cat's eye, rainbow and fire/flame obsidian).īuying Obsidian and Determining Obsidian Gemstone Value Back to Top Obsidian Color Obsidian can be classified into varieties according to several characteristics. In its pure form, obsidian has a dark body color due to the presence of iron and magnesium. 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.

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. In addition to its decorative use, obsidian has a practical use. 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. Obsidian was named after Obsius, a Roman who discovered a similar stone. Obsidian is naturally occurring volcanic glass which has been used as a gemstone since antiquity. About Obsidian - History and Introduction

Rainbow obsidian properties