Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass with properties including a smooth, glassy texture, a hard but brittle nature, and the ability to form razor-sharp edges due to its conchoidal fracture. Chemically, it is a felsic rock, primarily composed of silicon dioxide and is considered an amorphous, non-crystalline mineraloid because it lacks a defined crystalline structure. Obsidian is a mainly a deep black beautiful stone sometimes found with the milky flecks of the soothing Snowflake Obsidian or the gorgeous glimmer of the Golden of Silver Sheen Obsidian or warmth of Mahogany Obsidian.

Chakras – Root Chakra, Third Eye Chakra, Solar Plexus Chakra
Zodiac – Scorpio, Sagittarius
Element – Earth/Fire
Numerical Vibration – Number 1 and 3
Typical colours – Black, Golden Sheen, Silver Sheen, Mahogany, Snowflake

Obsidian has been around since the beginning of time and has been used in trading by the Mayans since 100 B.C.  The very earliest Obsidian tools date to the very dawn of the Paleolithic/Stone Age.

At the dawn of human civilization and writing, we know that Obsidian was being used for ritual purposes. In Egypt, Obsidian knives were used for ceremonial circumcisions, as well as to make mirrors and various decorative objects found in tombs. The actual name “Obsidian” was first used by Pliny the Elder who named it after a Roman citizen/explorer, Obsius who “discovered” it in Ethiopia. During the ancient and medieval period, Obsidian was thought to drive out demons and was used as an aid in rituals. It was also used to heal wounds and alleviate pain.

Obsidian was widely traded throughout both South and North America. Each volcanic explosion creates a unique type of Obsidian, and so it is relatively easy to trace trading routes. In addition to making knives and mirrors, Obsidian was also used to make talismans for protection.  On Easter Island, Obsidian was used to make the eyes of the Moai statues. Today, the eyes are long gone, but stories passed down through the generations bear testament to what they once looked like.

Obsidian is a very powerful and creative stone.  It increases self-control.  It forces facing up to one’s true self.  Releases imbalances and negative energies.  Black Obsidian is protective and provides support during change.  It repels negativity and disperses unloving thoughts.  Obsidian is formed when heated magma from deep within the Earth is forced up through the surface by way of intense heat and pressure. This makes it a wonderful stone to assist in your own process of personal transformation. Keep an obsidian stone close by as you work on healing old hurts and releasing outdated self-concepts.

Obsidian is truth-enhancing.  It is a strongly protective stone that acts as a protective shield against psychic attacks and emotional harm. Obsidian is a sword against negative energy and a powerful anchor for keeping you grounded in this good life. Obsidian stones share an intense healing vibe that is ever ready to pull you back up on your feet again.

Obsidian draws out mental stress and tension.  It stimulates growth on all levels, urging exploration of the unknown and opening new horizons.  Brings clarity to the mind and clears confusion.  Helps you to know who you truly are.  Obsidian dissolves emotional blockages and ancient traumas.  Promotes qualities of compassion and strength. Obsidian gives you all the courage you need embrace who you truly are and to dissolve old traumas and stop holding onto all that which is no longer serving you.

Obsidian comes in several variations beyond the powerful Black Obsidian.  It can be found in the form of Golden Sheen, Silver Sheen, Mahogany and Snowflake.

Golden Sheen Obsidian
Chakras – Root Chakra
Zodiac – Sagittarius
Element – Earth/Fire
Planet – The Sun and Saturn
Numerical Vibration – Number 9

Golden Obsidian, also known as Gold Sheen Obsidian, is a strongly protective stone. It is particularly effective for scrying, and balancing energy fields.  It also helps release negativity, align energy fields, and boost confidence, making it an excellent ally for personal empowerment and manifestation. It is also a grounding stone, providing stability and clarity while encouraging inner strength.

Silver Sheen Obsidian
Chakras – Third Eye Chakra, Throat
Zodiac – Sagittarius
Element – Earth/Fire
Planet – Pluto and Saturn
Numerical Vibration – Number 8

Silver Sheen Obsidian has a higher vibration that pure Black Obsidian.  Silver Sheen Obsidian displays a silver-gray iridescent sheen when polished and viewed in strong light, caused by gas bubbles aligning across the layers during formation.  Silver Sheen Obsidian improves perception, sharpens the senses and intellect, promotes articulate communication to others, and helps keep personal likes and dislikes from affecting rational decision-making. Silver Sheen Obsidian is a protective and grounding stone, that is especially good for anyone who finds themselves in trouble or dissatisfied with their life.

Mahogany Obsidian
Chakras – Root Chakra, Sacral Chakra and Solar Plexus chakras
Zodiac – Libra
Element – Earth/Fire
Planet – The Earth
Numerical Vibration – Number 4

Mahogany Obsidian has a gentle energy, resonating with the earth it grounds and protects. It is a stabilising stone that strengthens a weak aura.  Mahogany Obsidian works to eliminate that hesitation within that is constantly weighing judgement on decisions that greatly affect your life purpose. Mahogany Obsidian is a perfect meditation tool for anyone working to release negative energies and stimulate growth on all levels. This stone works on cleansing ones aura and providing protection from future incoming vibrations that may cause one distress

Snowflake Obsidian
Chakras – Root Chakra
Zodiac – Virgo
Numerical Vibration – Number 8
Typical colours – Black with white patches

Snowflake obsidian has a slightly gentler energy than pure black obsidian. It helps reveal unhelpful habits and beliefs that limit our lives. When used with conscious intention, snowflake obsidian deepens meditation to a remarkable degree and helps reveal the incredible love and beauty inherent in the universe.  Snowflake Obsidian is calming and soothing.  It teaches you the learning value of both mistakes and successes.  Snowflake Obsidian provides balance for body, mind and spirit.  It aids you in recognizing and releasing “wrong thinking” and stressful mental patterns.  Snowflake Obsidian aids in the ability to surrender in meditation.

One of the strongest connections you can expect from your Obsidian Stone is its ability to strengthen your Root chakra. As a potent Root Chakra Crystal, it is a very grounding and protective stone which absorbs and repels negative energy.  This is one of the most important chakras we have as it is known for keeping us grounded no matter what is going on in the world around us. When the Root Chakra is blocked, we feel untethered and suddenly unstable, as though danger or negativity waits at every turn. With Obsidian sending its healing energy straight where it is needed, you can stand safe and strong and without the risk of any kind of psychic attack.

For centuries sages and healers also turned to the power of Obsidian to help tap into that Third Eye chakra. As a deeply spiritual stone is great for spiritual work such as connecting with the psychic world, accessing visions, and aiding meditation to experience clarity of mind and spirit.  It is also believed that the mirror-like qualities of Obsidian could provide a glimpse into another realm and could guide the way towards higher knowledge and cosmic consciousness.

The Obsidian Stone is also known for helping out when it comes to your Solar Plexus chakra. This is our third chakra in the body and is best associated with the place where our self-esteem and sense of worth flows from. When our Solar Plexus is blocked it can send us off balance and make us feel lost, flailing, or even shy in our own skin. Using the Obsidian mirror you can look within and remove the blockage that is keeping you from living out your very best life without the confinements of fear.

Powerful healing stones can become clogged up and by cleansing and recharging you ensure a fine flow that keeps your stone working at its fullest and brightest power. To cleanse and recharge obsidian, it’s recommended to place it in a bowl of water.  As a stone that invites all the elements into its soul, Obsidian also likes to sit out in the moonlight which can be a less harsh method of clearing and recharging its energy. If you have a singing bowl sitting around or bells you can also use sound as a method for cleansing and charging Obsidian as it seems to respond well to both these instruments and their sound vibrations.