Obsidian

`o&b-'si-dE-&n`

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General Gemstone Details

Obsidian is a naturally created glass. It is formed form volcanic lava which cooled too quickly for significant crystallization to occur. It is most often black, but colors such as gray, brown, and less likely but evident still is red, blue and green. These colors may be uniform, spotted or banded. This coloring is caused by the presence of titanium, iron or manganese.
Obsidian is a very powerful stone, one which reminds us that birth and death are simultaneously and constantly present, one with the other, always as one. This is a stone that has always been associated with guardian spirits that watch over us, and is connected to protection on all levels.

A few Obsidian items that may currently be available in our store....

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Scientific Properties:
Mohs Hardness of 5 with a amorphous crystal structure.

Obsidian is found in areas where volcanic activity is or has been. Locations such as Hawaii, Japan, Java, Iceland, Hungary, Mexico, Ecuador, and Guatemala. Dark nodules found in Arizona and New Mexico are called Apache Tears.

Obsidian is the result of volcanic lava coming in contact with water. Often the lava pours into a lake or ocean and is cooled quickly. This process produces a glassy texture in the resulting rock. Iron and magnesium give the obsidian a dark green to black color.

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Mystical Properties:
Obsidian in general helps to alleviate pain, reducing tension and releasing energy; it is also told to accelerate the physical healing of wounds. Obsidian is an excellent stone simply to have around to absorb and transform the negative energies in to positive. It will vibrate calmness and security, and stabilize the energies of all persons within it's reach. More specifically:

Black, Brown or Golden Obsidian is quite protective, and is helpful in removing general negativity. It is also helpful for protection against psychic attacks. It will also aid in eliminating bad habits and reduce cravings.

Mahogany Obsidian will create a feeling of sexiness and more confidence and feeling of ease with one's own sexuality. It will also encourage positive decision making, and has been known to assist in the healing of gums and other tissues in the body.

Rainbow Obsidian balances and stabilizes energy. This is a good stone to help calm fears, especially when dealing with an abusive situation, as it aids in balancing mental distress.

Snowflake Obsidian aids in clearer and more logical thinking. Carry this stone to keep others from taking advantage. This stone will reveal what needs to be changed in life to assist one in advancing.

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More Healing Information

Healing Properties:
Obsidian helps ailments of the stomach and intestines, it is a powerful healing stone but only for some. It is also said to improve ones vision.

Black obsidian in particular is one of the most difficult to use if you are not fully prepared to face both positive and negative sides of reality. Since this stone will energize spiritual forces and easily connect with the first chakra, it can help one to face present challenges as well as past life lessons still to be learned. The third eye is often activated in conjunction with processing of the past life karma, so this must be used with caution. When using for emotional healing, it is often best used along with clear quartz.

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Magical Properties:
Energy: Projective
Element: Fire
Powers: Protection, grounding, divination and peace

Obsidian is a grounding and centering stone, it is quite effective when carried or utilized in protection ritual. By grounding spiritual energy in the physical plane, obsidian connects the mind and emotions. Absorbing and destroying negative energies, cleaning the subconscious blockages one may have, and then releasing stress.

Obsidian spheres (which are still fashioned in Mexico) are wonderful scrying tools, but are quite powerful, and should be used with caution. If results are not clear with crystal quartz, attempt the same ritual with obsidian, you should have better results. But, if it's energy and intenseness makes one uncomfortable, holding a clear quartz in one hand while scrying should help balance the power.

Often times the blackness of the stone will allow easier access to the subconscious.

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Zodiac:
Associations: Saturn

Not a traditional birthstone for any month.

Stone Sagittarius, to dream of obsidian in any color means a period of darkness and struggle will soon be ending.

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More Chakra Info

More Kundalini Info

Chakra Classification:
Obsidian is most helpful in working with the 1st, or Root/Base Chakra,, but often the 6th, or Third Eye/Brow Chakra is activated while using it, and therefore it should be used with caution, as it will bring up, expose and help you to deal with your challenges and the past life lessons you need to learn so as to move on in this life.

Information Sources:
The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall, 2003
Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith, PhD, 2000
Crystal Enchantments by D.J. Conway, 1999
Smithsonian Handbooks Gemstones by Cally Hall, 1994
Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham, 2002
Chakra Healing & Karmic Awareness by Keith Sherwood, 2005
The Illustrated Directory of Crystal Healing by Cassandra Eason, 2003
Healing Crystals and Gemstones by Dr. Flora Peschek-Bohmer, Gisela Schrieber, 2002

The information here is presented to you to use as you see fit, but is not to take the place of professional medical advice. Crystals, Gemstones and Metal can accent, help, negate, protect, encourage, strengthen, and balance and thereby promote healing. Their effects can be extraordinary, but use in addition to medical advice, and not as a substitute for proper care. If you are ill, we beseech you to seek professional medical attention from a qualified physician.