Black obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic rock, which has always inspired people throughout history. The modern world of spiritual healers and religions hasn’t changed it; this smooth, captivating, shiny, and strong black scheme marbled stone has been used by the ancient civilizations. Attraction to the contrast of its shiny black surface or fascination by the rumored energy it possesses, black obsidian is truly a stone of wonder.
In this detailed blog post, the reader will learn about the history, density, use and symbolic value and esoteric meaning of black obsidian. You will also learn how to take care of it and how to put it to practice within your day-to-day life.
Table of Contents
What Is Black Obsidian?
Black obsidian is chemically stony volcanic glass, created when lava cools down very rapidly, and thus crystallization is impossible. Because of this, there’s a rapid cooling that leaves the outer layer as smooth as a piece of glass. They also differ in the fact that the obsidian mineral does not belong to crystalline minerals, and its structure is amorphous, that is, it has no regular atomic and molecular organization.
Iron and magnesium in the lava are the reason behind the gun metal black appearance of this tree. However, it is mainly black although it can also be found in rainbow obsidian, snowflake obsidian and mahogany obsidian due to different inclusions and patterns.
Formation of Black Obsidian
The formation process of obsidian involves the formation of volcanic magma which on cooling quickly when in contact with the external surface of the earth or with water. Since there is no further growth of the crystal, obsidian presents a smooth, shiny and almost translucent surface which is unique. This stone is also obtainable from areas with volcanic activity, in some parts of the United States such as the western region, Mexico, Iceland, and diverse parts of South America, Europe, and Africa.
Appearance and Varieties
The most typical black obsidian is a glossy, deep black stone. However, the specific conditions under which it forms can produce different patterns and appearances:
Rainbow Obsidian
This particular variation has a brilliant metallic luster which reminds vivid green, blue and purple colors when tilted certain ways. This is due to the holes within this stone, or more correctly the presence of certain gases and inclusions within it.
Snowflake Obsidian
These are circle or elliptical patterns, white, resembling snow, visible on a black background and are caused by the crystallization of a mineral – cristobalite.
Mahogany Obsidian
This type develops reddish-brown or mahogany-colored stripes within this black stone making the stone warmer and richer in tone.
Golden Obsidian
A less common variety that exhibits gold like color when illuminated with a light, making it desired quality for collectors as well those in the healing fraternity.
Historical and Cultural Significance of Black Obsidian
Copper-obsidian tool has been valued by people for its functionality and ornamental applications within prehistoric times. Early humans chose to work with this material from among all the stones available to them because it could be fractured in to sharp edge, for use in making tools and weapons.
Ancient Tools and Weapons
Even in prehistoric times, people used obsidian to produce knives, daggers, sickles, scrapers or cutting tools. Its toughness visibility made it a superior material for slicing and hunting. By the time of the Mayans, Aztecs and other tribes in Central America it became a revered material used in religious rituals because it possessed spirit power. These cultures considered obsidian as a stone with significant ties with the ground and the other invisible force.
Obsidian in Ancient Civilizations
Aztec Civilization:
The Aztecs considered obsidian as a sacred art and related it to god of the underworld, Tezcatlipoca. They also believed that obsidian held the ability to permit the world of the living to speak with the dead. Obsidian mirrors were used in the process of scrying which is the process of vision or even gaining of knowledge and the stone used their in-divination ceremonies.
Mesoamerican Rituals:
In many cultures obsidian was not simply a tool but an object utilized in religious rituals and rite. A lot of times it has the connotation of authority and defense. Obsidian was also utilized in human sacrifice rituals because of its pointed edges by cutting the hearts of the victims.
European and Asian Cultures:
Obsidian was also used in ancient Europe and Asia for making of tools and weapons. Due to its volcanic origins, it was a practical material for societies in a variety of areas including Ancient Greece, Rome, and parts of the Middle East where it was shaped into spear tips, knives, and so on.
Metaphysical Properties of Black Obsidian
In today’s practice of metaphysical uses, black obsidian enjoys a particularly significant reputation for its cleansing and shielding abilities. For many, it is a stone that is believed to have much power and works especially in helping to transform, ground and protect the spirit.
Protection and Grounding
For protection, black obsidian is one of those crystals that suit the practice of crystal healing. It is believed to create an energy armor for the wearer that protects from bad energy, subtle attack and emotional abuse. People also use black obsidian to clear unwanted energies from homes or buildings because it is considered to have the capability to pull and eliminate negative energies.
According to its strong association with the earth, black obsidian is also an excellent ground stone. They allow a person to feel stable and grounded, which is suitable during a meditative session or when you feel that your emotions run high.
Emotional Healing and Transformation
Black obsidian is particularly useful in bringing everything that is repressed to the fore, rage in specific, so that it may be reconciled with. People use it during the shadow work, where one performs a series of activities that involve embracing those feelings and aspects that are always kept out of sight in the unconscious mind.
It said to bring the sort of clarity and strength that can help any person to overcome those mental limitations and toxic habits. Due to its action which is to show back to you, black obsidian supports transformation, so it is used by people who want to change or heal themselves.
Detoxification and Cleansing
Black obsidian also bears cleansing characteristics – indeed physical, emotional, or spiritual cleansing. In particular, it is utilized in energy healing to unblock energy in a human’s energy field, as well as to drive and boost the energy flow throughout the body. Some individuals use black obsidian in their meditative practices or some sort of energy healing in order to clean their aura or recharge their life force.
How to Use Black Obsidian
It will be helpful to know how you can go about using black obsidian for your intention and goal if you want to use this stone.
Jewelry
It can be worn in the form of a pendant, bracelet or a ring around your neck, wrist or finger respectively and this will allow you carry the energy that comes with black obsidian along with you wherever you go. It can assist you in keeping your energy centers balanced and your energy shield intact reminding you of your inner power.
Meditation
Black obsidian can actually be used for meditation in which you put the stone on different parts of your body to help you feel and focus. PTSD or for people doing that their psychic work such as shadow work or any deep emotional offline work.
Home Décor
It is recommended to cleanse the energy in your home or your workplace by using black obsidian. You can use it in order to completely exclude other people’s bad states of mind, or just get some peace and safe feeling.
Energy Healing
The majority of crystal healers do incorporate black obsidian in energy healing to help in the unblocking of the chakras and the auric field. It’s even most applicable for the root chakra and grounding energy.
Scrying and Divination
Obsidian mirrors were used in the past for a purpose of gazing, where one looks into the mirror to foretell events. Somewhat surprisingly, some modern spiritual practitioners still employ obsidian in the way that was described above.
Caring for Black Obsidian
Black obsidian is quite low-ranking material with an approximate of 5.5 in the Mohs hardness scale meaning it is relatively brittle than other gemstones and hence vulnerable to scratching and breaking. Stone must also be handled with care and it should not be exposed to forces that might cause it to crack, chipping is also not encouraged. Black obsidian has been discussed as an easy gemstone to clean, as it can only be wiped with a small piece of soft, wet cloth. Do not use chemicals or ultrasonic cleaner since they are abrasive and may hurt the stone.
Storing Your Obsidian
Black obsidian should also not be stored with other stones because it can easily be scratched by other stones. It should be protected from damage in a pouch, a box or even fabric bag. If the stone has lost its charge, it is possible to place the stone on the night under Moon or bury it in the ground at night as well.
Conclusion
Black obsidian is versatile and complex material that was used in different ways throughout the centuries and millennia. Black obsidian is the stone that enchants you with its sensual shine, shocks you with its centuries of symbolism or mesmerizes with its energy that helps you stabilize, shield and rejuvenate.
If you are wondering which of the crystals or gemstones to use, definitely consider black obsidian as it may help in bringing clarity and transformation and help one center themselves on the Earth. Whether worn or carried in jewelry, utilized in meditation, or employed in energy therapies, this stone protects and purifies for those who choose to work with it.
FAQs about Black Obsidian
Q1. What is the benefit of black obsidian?
Black obsidian is one of the strengthening stones that assists to find the connection with the earth and create stable mood inside. It can shield you from negative energy, vices, attacks and other negative energies by replacing them with positive ones.
Q2. What is black obsidian used for?
Black Obsidian is employed in fight against negative energy, in detoxifying and shielding. Physically the inky black stone is used to maintain the flow of circulation and for stimulating the deep tissue to repair itself.
Q3. What is obsidian used for?
What is obsidian used for? The uses of Obsidian have included; as weapons, implements, tools, in ornamentation and as mirrors throughout history. Having conchoidal fracture, that consists of smooth curved surface and sharp edges obsidian was used to make the sharpest stone artifacts.
Q4. Is wearing black obsidian good?
The Black Obsidian crystal shows you what negative energies you have been carrying within your aura and assist you in challenging it as well. When you shine the light on these negative influences you can let them go.
Q5. What are 3 uses of obsidian?
Obsidian is excellent for cutting tools and edged, such as knives and spearheads. Cultured obsidian edged tools are finer than any surgical steel blade and the stone is used in the same way as any gem or ornamental stones.
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