Collection: Black Obsidian

Obsidian is a silica-rich volcanic rock. There are different types of obsidian. They differ due to the rock's chemical composition. Obsidian is actually a natural glass. It forms during an eruption of silica-rich lava with less than 3% water. Upon exiting the volcano, it cools very rapidly, freezing the crystallization process.

This can be compared to a piece of lava suddenly solidifying as it leaves the volcano. The direct consequence of this phenomenon is the inability of the rock to crystallize. The result is the creation of a volcanic glass with a uniform texture, which is called an amorphous mineral. Furthermore, obsidian has sharp edges and very fine blades. It is a natural mineral with a complex composition.

Obsidian is essentially composed of silicon dioxide, about 70% or more. Its fracture is conchoidal (i.e., furrowed with curved and concentric striations) and its hardness is 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale. It has different colors and reflections due to the volcano where it was discovered and its various inclusions. It should be noted that each deposit, linked to a volcano, provides a different obsidian.

Green, brown, gray or black, it can sometimes have reflections of gold, silver, or even all the colors of the rainbow, (effect produced by the presence of hematites or magnesite). It also happens that two colors of obsidian mix.

Obsidian has been found in some sharp objects dating back approximately 2 to 4 million years, particularly in Kenya. Archaeological excavations have discovered knives, arrows, and spears. Depending on its composition, obsidian can sometimes be polished to make rustic mirrors.

As early as 7,000 BC, obsidian was widely used in surgery due to its cutting properties. Evidence of trepanation, the removal of a portion of the skull bone either to clean a wound or to attract spirits, is found.

In Mesopotamia, traces of obsidian blades have been identified as early as 5,000 BC.

In Egypt, obsidian was brought back from the Red Sea, Greece, or Italy. The Egyptians used it for its beauty, mystery, and value. They made the eyes of their statues, notably those in the mask of Tutankhamun (1323 BC). Obsius, returning from Ethiopia, brought back obsidian and decided to give it their name, obsidianus in Latin. Obsidian was used to make all kinds of ornamental objects, jewelry, and tools.

However, in Mexico, there is another legend. When the natives were short of food, the men went hunting, where they had to face wild beasts, even mammoths. They left their wives and children under the protection of the elders. Then, one day, the tribe was attacked by wild and ferocious hyenas. But the elders no longer had any weapons when young Obsid, son of the most valiant warrior, saw a shiny black stone on the ground. He tied it securely to a piece of wood. He threw this makeshift weapon at one of the hyenas, which screamed in pain, causing all the others to flee. The entire tribe honored young Obsid and granted him the status of warrior, and the stone was thus named in his name.

Among the Navajo tribe, obsidian was one of the four sacred stones. Obsidian Mountain corresponds to Mount Hesperus. In some creation stories, the human heart is said to have been created by the gods from obsidian.

For generations, magicians, sorcerers, and prophets have used polished obsidian as a mirror. They claimed to be able to read the future through it. But it was Dr. John Dee (1527-1608) who used it again to spread his prophecies. It became very famous, and the story goes that it helped foil certain plots against the English crown.

The main obsidian deposits are located in Mexico, Madagascar, the United States, etc.

This is pure, basic obsidian. Composed of over 70% silica, it owes its beautiful dark color to the presence of iron. It has virtually no inclusions except for a few magnetite nanoparticles.

Archaeological excavations often uncover tools and weapons made of black obsidian. The legend of the young Obsidian highlights the discovery of an extremely sharp black obsidian on the ground.

Black obsidian is a smooth, shiny stone, similar to glass due to its glossy, reflective surface. This stone can shatter into fragments with curved edges. This characteristic makes it ideal for making sharp objects.

Today, black obsidian is frequently used in the manufacture of jewelry and decorative objects. This stone has powerful benefits in lithotherapy.

Black obsidian is reputed to be the most powerful of the obsidians. It is said to be handled with care. It is used as a shield against negative energies. It allows one to free oneself from anxieties, anxiety, and buried fears.

It facilitates better introspection. Problems, childhood traumas, and those causing blockages are identified and overcome. This stone allows you to move forward in life and overcome difficulties encountered.

The mind is freed from devaluing thoughts and gives way to well-being. The past is less painful and the future seems more serene. This stone brings assurance and self-confidence. It allows you to achieve your goals. It increases the desire to change things and promotes good decision-making.

Black obsidian increases perception, bringing to light hidden abilities and qualities. It regulates the mechanisms of judgment towards oneself, but also towards others. The person is much less demanding.

This stone creates balance between the dark and light sides. It is this ambivalence that encourages progress. It develops a more open outlook on the world. It allows one to put things into perspective and find one's rightful place while respecting others and oneself.

Black obsidian strengthens the mind and increases clarity of thought. It eliminates stress and tension. It protects the psyche from instabilities.