What does real obsidian look like?
The largest obsidian deposits are located in Ecuador, Mexico, Indonesia, Japan, Ethiopia, Peru, Germany, Turkey, Armenia, Iceland and the USA, wherever there are zones of volcanic activity in ancient or modern times. In Russia, obsidian deposits were found in Kamchatka, the Caucasus and Siberia. Iridescent obsidians are found in Nevada and the Hawaiian Islands.
History of obsidian
For the first time, obsidian was brought from Ethiopia to Europe by a Roman named Obsidius, which was the reason for the appearance of this name for the stone. Obsidian was known by different names among different peoples. For example, in Transcaucasia, as “a fragment of Satan’s claws”, in America as “tears of the Apaches”. The Greek term “obsis” translates as “spectacle”, and may also have had an influence on the formation of the mineral, as in ancient times it was used to make mirrors.
During the Stone Age, primitive people used obsidian in the manufacture of knives, arrowheads, and scrapers. They were sharper than metal ones and therefore popular. In Egypt, incense was stored in obsidian vessels to preserve its qualities. Writing utensils were also made from the stone, as it was believed that obsidian had a beneficial effect on the thought process of its owner. Residents of the Caucasus and India endowed obsidian with magical properties and used it as a ritual stone.
Obsidian gained popularity in jewelry at the end of the 19th century, when Carl Faberge began using it in this capacity.
Physico-chemical characteristics of obsidian
Obsidian is a glassy rock of volcanic origin, which is why it is sometimes called volcanic glass. Its formation occurs during the rapid cooling of lava, which spills onto the ground during a volcanic eruption. Obsidian is an amorphous stone. By chemical nature it is silicon oxide with admixtures of magnesium and iron oxides.
Obsidian is colored in shades of gray, brown, red and black. It has an amorphous system and a conchoidal fracture. The hardness of the stone is 5-6 on the Mohs scale. Specific gravity 2,3 g/cm3.
Types of obsidian
There are several subspecies of obsidian depending on color:
- “Peanut” or “snowy”, painted in gray-white color, and “snowflakes” seem to be scattered across its surface.
- Rainbow is distinguished by unique color tints that resemble oil drops. The most valuable and expensive subspecies.
- Red obsidian.
- Green obsidian.
- Blue-blue obsidian.
The magical properties of obsidian
It is believed that obsidian contains the power of the Sun, Saturn and Uranus, and people have turned to its magical abilities since ancient times. So, special balls for fortune tellers were made from it. As a protective amulet, obsidian keeps the owner from committing bad deeds and helps fight shortcomings. It protects from the evil eye and negative energy. The mineral gives composure, the ability to concentrate and focus on the most important, makes thoughts precise and sharp. For this reason, writing instruments are often made from it.
In the Caucasus, obsidian was considered the patron saint of children, capable of protecting them from harm, the evil eye and damage.
Medicinal properties of obsidian
Traditional medicine uses obsidian to treat colds that appear during hypothermia. It is also believed to have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Obsidian beads and rosaries normalize blood pressure.
In general, obsidian is useful as a preventative. But wearing it all the time is not recommended.
Branches of application of obsidian
Obsidian fragments have sharp cutting edges, which is why ancient people began to use the mineral. Scrapers, knives, spears, axes, arrowheads – all this was made on the basis of this mineral. Obsidian artifacts discovered in Mesopotamia date back about 9 years.
Later, various jewelry and amulets, household items and ritual figurines began to be made from obsidian. The Aztecs and Ethiopians learned to make mirrors from it. Obsidian knives became objects of rituals. And, despite the fact that people learned to make such iron products, obsidian did not lose its leadership position.
Obsidian began to be widely used as a jewelry and ornamental stone in the 19th century. Carl Faberge was the first to draw attention to the interesting properties of the stone and its attractive appearance. Today, obsidian is in demand among other semi-precious stones for making watches, writing sets, fountains, animal figurines, beads, key rings, and rosaries.
The mineral has also found application in industry as an intumescent filler for lightweight concrete.
Obsidian colors
The color palette of obsidian is varied and includes shades of gray, brown, red, green, and blue. The most popular are snow white and rainbow obsidian.
How to distinguish real obsidian from a fake
Counterfeits of natural obsidian are often made from painted glass; they can be distinguished by the following characteristics:
- Natural stone has a rich matte color and pronounced shine.
- A piece of natural origin stays cold in your hands for a long time, unlike glass that heats up quickly.
- Natural stones never have a uniform structure and contain inclusions.
- When immersed in water, imitations lose their shine and color saturation.
How to care for obsidian
Since obsidian is a fairly fragile mineral, jewelry made from it is stored in separate soft cases. They should not be left in the bright sun or in water for a long time. Obsidian is also protected from temperature changes and mechanical damage.
The use of chemicals is not recommended for cleaning products. It is better to use a mild soap solution or cold running water, then wipe the product with a soft cloth.
Obsidian and zodiac sign
Obsidian is the patron saint of representatives of the Capricorn sign, whose life it will definitely change for the better and help to be brave and decisive. Obsidian also takes Leo and Sagittarius under its protection. Jewelry made from it can be worn by Scorpios, Aquarius and Gemini. Only for Cancer and Virgo the stone is not recommended, as it endows them with irritability and vindictiveness.
Prices for obsidian products
A cabochon-cut piece of obsidian measuring about 3 cm is estimated at 5-7 dollars. Pyramid-shaped snow obsidian costs about $15. The most expensive is rainbow obsidian, a specimen of which can cost more than $200.
Interesting facts about obsidian:
- Obsidian is considered a talisman for magicians and scientists. It is believed that beads made from it develop clairvoyance, protect against negative energy, and protect from evil spirits.
- There is a widespread legend in the Caucasus about how Satan once got angry and then pieces of his nails began to fly out to the ground along with the lava. That is why the stone received the unusual popular name “Satan’s nail.”
- According to American legend, the Apache camp was once attacked by colonists. In order not to surrender to the conquerors, the local residents decided to throw themselves from the cliff into the mouth of the volcano. The women mourned their husbands for three nights, and their tears became beautiful black stones – obsidians, “tears of the Apaches.”
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