Black Obsidian Crystal Meaning, Properties, And Information
All About Black Obsidian: The Meaning Of Black Obsidian Crystals, Black Obsidian History, Black Obsidian Crystal Healing Properties And More
Black Obsidian has long been revered as a crystal by people all around the world, much like how Black Tourmaline, another beloved black crystal and gemstone, has been.
But what is Black Obsidian exactly, why is Obsidian popular, and what do people use Black Obsidian for? Read on to learn more about Black Obsidian in this crystal information blog.
What Does Black Obsidian Look Like?
Black Obsidian displays a glistening jet-black hue with an incredibly glossy sheen.
Black Obsidian (Volcanic Glass) is similar in appearance to other black crystals, black stones, and black gemstones such as Black Tourmaline, Black Moonstone, Jet, and Onyx.
You can learn more about the different types of black crystals, as well as their meanings and properties, in our blog about black crystals.
Black Tourmaline is often paired with Black Obsidian: above we can see a picture of a Natural Black Tourmaline Crystal, otherwise known as Schorl
What Are The Types Of Obsidian?
The most popular Obsidian variety is pure Volcanic Glass, otherwise known as Black Obsidian.
Other types of Obsidian include: Sheen Obsidian (Silver Sheen Obsidian and Gold Sheen Obsidian), Mahogany Obsidian, Rainbow Obsidian, Snowflake Obsidian, and Fire Obsidian.
A Silver Sheen Obsidian Sphere demonstrating silver flash and shimmer
What Is Black Obsidian Made Of?
Black Obsidian is an Extrusive Igneous Rock with a high silica content, similar to other volcanic rocks like Rhyolite, and a rock which displays a glassy lustre.
Black Obsidian is mostly composed of silicon dioxide, and the black colour of the Obsidian Stone comes from inclusions such as iron and magnesium/magnetite.
Black Obsidian is a Volcanic Glass: technically, it is not a mineral, as it does not form crystals, however it may be classed as a mineraloid.
Mineraloids are substances that look like minerals but do not display crystals (a key property of minerals): the unique formation process of Black Obsidian (Volcanic Glass) explains why it can be considered a mineraloid.
How Does Black Obsidian Form?
Obsidian Stone is formed when a volcanic eruption releases lava, and the lava cools so rapidly into solid volcanic rock that there is not enough time for crystals to grow.
Therefore, Obsidian is not crystalline, and is not classed as a mineral; instead, the glassy rock formed from the lava is named Volcanic Glass (Obsidian Glass).
What Is The Meaning Of The Name Obsidian?
Obsidian Stone was named "Obsidian" after the Roman Explorer Obsidius, who in Ethiopia discovered the stone; Pliny the Elder, a famous historian in Ancient Rome, detailed the discovery of Obsidian Stone (Latin: Lapis Obsidianus) in his book "Natural History", a text dated at around 77AD.
The use of Obsidian stretches much further back through history than its discovery by the Romans a few thousand years ago, however; back into the history of the earliest human civilisations and beyond into pre-history.
Where Does Black Obsidian Come From?
Black Obsidian can be found in many countries worldwide including the USA (for example, Oregon), Mexico, Greece, Japan, Turkey, and Kenya.
Our Black Obsidian crystals for sale at Madagascan Direct are crystals from Mexico, a country renowned for its high-quality Black Obsidian and Volcanic Glass specimens.
How Hard Is Black Obsidian?
Black Obsidian measures 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness, which means that it is a somewhat soft mineral which is susceptible to scratching, although it is a harder mineral than Calcite and Fluorite.
Black Obsidian Crystal Care
Great care should be taken not to damage the Black Obsidian Glass surface by handling the stone gently and keeping it away from other stones.
As Black Obsidian is a glass, broken Obsidian pieces can have very sharp edges, and so care must be taken when handling broken Obsidian Glass to avoid injury.
To clean your Black Obsidian Crystal, simply use water and dry it afterwards with a soft cloth.
Black Obsidian is generally a water-safe crystal, especially for short periods of submersion/water exposure, but It is best to avoid submerging Obsidian in water for prolonged periods of time due to risk of damaging the Black Obsidian Stone.
Salt water is more abrasive than normal water, and therefore there is a higher risk of damaging your Black Obsidian Crystal if you use salt water to cleanse it.
Black Obsidian History
The use of Obsidian by humans, as well as by human ancestors, can be traced back to over a million years ago.
Obsidian was historically used in ancient civilisations and by pre-historic peoples to make tools such as weapons, building tools, and cutlery, dating all the way back to the earliest periods of the Stone Age.
Black Obsidian was also a highly spiritual stone for certain ancient civilisations such as the Maya and Aztecs; Black Obsidian Stone was used to make Scrying Mirrors for use in shamanic rituals, and a Black Obsidian Mirror is even a core image in the depiction of the major Aztec God Tezcatlipoca, whose name means "Smoking Mirror" in reference to the Black Obsidian.
Black Obsidian was used furthermore for decorative purposes (the Aztecs made a variety of Obsidian Ornaments such as Obsidian Jars, Obsidian Vases, Obsidian Cups, and decorative bowls for example), and on Easter Island, Obsidian was used to create the eyes of the Moai statues.
The Nahuatl Language (otherwise known as the "Aztec Language") named Obsidian "Itzli", and this continues to be a name used for baby boys.
Black Obsidian Mirrors, Magic And Spirituality: Scrying Mirrors
Black Obsidian was also used in Aztec Society to make mirrors, due to the reflective properties of the Black Obsidian Stone, and these Black Obsidian Mirrors were used by the Aztecs for important spiritual purposes.
The Aztecs used Black Obsidian to make scrying mirrors, which were used in shamanic rituals to connect with spirits and Gods, and to induce prophetic visions.
Aztec Black Obsidian Scrying Mirrors were seen as a way to connect with the highly important Aztec God Tezcatlipoca, whose name means "Smoking Mirror" in reference to the Obsidian Mirror often depicted as part of imagery of the deity.
In Ancient Greece, this scrying tradition was also popular, and Black Obsidian Mirrors have been found at Ancient Greek archaeological sites.
The famous English magician John Dee also owned one such Aztec Black Obsidian Scrying Mirror, which he used to attempt to connect with spirits and angels, much in the same manner he used his Quartz crystal balls for scrying.
Black Obsidian Crystal Meaning & Spiritual Meaning & Spiritual Meaning
Black Obsidian Stone has rich symbolism and spiritual crystal meaning as a crystal that represents a great many aspects of life and death.
Black Obsidian Crystals represent the duality of light and darkness; like the stars in the night sky they are said to embody, they illuminate the shadows of the cosmos with celestial fire, thus symbolising the chaotic, primal energy of the synergy between creation and destruction and the cycle of life, death, renewal, and rebirth.
Black Obsidian Stones represent spiritual and supernatural concepts such as sorcery, mystery, illusion, magic, prophecy, destiny, fate, and psychic vision; Black Obsidian symbolises the ability to see into the shadows, break through illusions, and see the world with wisdom and clear vision, for example through clairvoyance.
Black Obsidian Crystals therefore symbolise psychic powers, as well as wisdom and knowledge, especially spiritual wisdom about destiny, fate, and pre-ordained paths in life.
Black Obsidian also represents the spiritual relationship between humans and gods and spirits, and the connection between the Earth and divine realms.
Black Obsidian symbolises protection from negative energies, and is often used as a protective talisman and amulet.
Black Obsidian is a Stone of Warriors, representing the will-power, fight, persistence, stamina, sacrifice, and bravery integral to the warrior spirit.
Black Obsidian is a Stone for Leaders, and its great power and energy embodies the spirit of leadership and authority.
Black Obsidian Crystal Healing Properties
Black Obsidian is believed by crystal healers to be a very powerful crystal healing stone and an especially powerful protection stone.
Black Obsidian exudes strong fire energy and earth energy: forged in the fires of volcanic lava, this stone is one of power, vitality, and strength.
Black Obsidian Chakras
Black Obsidian is said by crystal healers to resonate strongly with the Root Chakra (Base Chakra) and Third Eye Chakra, forming a bridge between the lower chakras and the higher chakras.
Black Obsidian: Root Chakra Stone
Black Obsidian is believed to be a potent Root Chakra Crystal, and is thus a very grounding and protective stone which absorbs and repels negative energy.
It is perfect for when one needs to feel cleansed and grounded, and enables you to access spiritual realms whilst remaining grounded.
Black Obsidian: Third Eye Chakra Stone
Black Obsidian can also be used with the higher chakras, particularly with the Third Eye Chakra: this 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.
Black Obsidian Crystal Collections & Black Obsidian Crystals For Sale
A piece of Black Obsidian (Volcanic Glass) would make a wonderful addition to any crystal collection, especially alongside other black crystals and black gemstones like Black Tourmaline, Black Moonstone, and Black Septarian.
Buy Black Obsidian Crystals Online at Madagascan Direct.