Platinum obsidian pendant Mexico A (rolled stone)

Obsidian is a volcanic rock rich in silica. Different kinds of obsidian exist. They differ due to the chemical composition of the rock. Obsidian is actually a natural glass. It forms during an eruption of lava rich in silica with less than 3% water. Upon exiting the volcano, it undergoes very rapid cooling, freezing the crystallization process.

This can be likened to a piece of lava suddenly frozen as it emerges from the volcano. The direct consequence of this phenomenon is the impossibility for the rock to crystallize. The result is the creation of a volcanic glass with a uniform texture, qualified as an amorphous mineral. Furthermore, obsidian has sharp edges and very fine blades. It is a natural mineral with a complex composition.

Thus, obsidian is essentially composed of silicon dioxide, about 70% or more. Its fracture is conchoidal (furrowed with curved and concentric striae) 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 have reflections that are sometimes golden, silvery, or even all the colors of the rainbow (an effect produced by the presence of hematites or magnesites). It also happens that two colors of obsidian mix.

Traces of obsidian are found in some cutting tools dating from approximately 2 to 4 million years ago, particularly in Kenya. During archaeological excavations, knives, arrows, and spears have been discovered. Sometimes, obsidian, depending on its composition, can be polished to create rustic mirrors.

From 7,000 BCE, obsidian was widely used in surgery due to its cutting properties. Evidence of trepanation, the removal of a part of the skull bone to clean a wound or to allow spirits to enter, has been found.

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

In Egypt, obsidian was brought from the Red Sea, Greece, or Italy. Egyptians used it for its beauty, mystery, and value. They made the eyes of their statues, notably those in Tutankhamun's mask (1323 BCE). Obsius, returning from Ethiopia, brought back obsidians and decided to name them after him, obsidianus in Latin. Obsidian was used for the manufacture of all sorts of ornamental objects, jewelry, or tools.

However, in Mexico, there is another legend. In times when indigenous people lacked food, men went hunting where they had to face wild beasts, even mammoths. They left women and children under the protection of the elders. Then, one day, the tribe was attacked by wild and ferocious hyenas. But the elders had no weapons when young Obsid, son of the bravest warrior, saw a shiny black stone on the ground. He securely attached it to a piece of wood. He threw this makeshift weapon at one of the hyenas, which howled in pain, scaring away all the others. The whole tribe honored young Obsid and granted him warrior status, and the stone was thus named after him.

In the Navajo tribe, obsidian was one of the four sacred stones. The obsidian mountain corresponds to Mount Hesperus. In some of their creation stories, the heart of man was said to have been created by the gods with obsidian.

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

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

Platinum obsidian looks very much like black obsidian. It is black with gray bands. Composed of more than 70% silica, it has a glass-like appearance. It is said to be mineral glass.

This stone is smooth and shiny. Some claim to be able to read the future in a platinum obsidian ball with wavy bands.

Platinum obsidian was identified very recently and there are no texts or legends relating specifically to this stone. In writings describing obsidian, it is essentially black obsidian.

Platinum obsidian is used in the manufacture of jewelry, mainly pendants. It is found in various forms in lithotherapy.

Platinum obsidian has the same protective powers as other obsidians. It acts as a shield against negative emotions and harmful influences. It prevents its wearer from being overwhelmed by anxieties, worries, and shyness. It returns all malicious energies to those who send them.

It helps bring to light childhood traumas. These have turned into blockages over the years and are often repressed, sometimes forgotten. Wearing platinum obsidian can act as a revealer. It promotes introspection and helps the person to better understand themselves.

When the wearer of obsidian understands why certain things terrify them, they can then fight them. They can thus move forward and overcome certain difficulties in life.

Moreover, it is said that obsidian reveals the truth and chases away illusions. It encourages its wearer to clearly see reality and fully enjoy the present moment. This stone helps to manage past difficulties and no longer fear the future. It is a liberating stone.

Wearing platinum obsidian promotes compassion, listening, and empathy. Its wearer can open up to others and take an interest in them. They are capable of great understanding. They are calm and serene. Feelings such as anger and remorse have disappeared. They are resolutely turned towards the future.