Mexican mahogany obsidian bracelet A (7-8mm beads)

Obsidian is a silica-rich volcanic rock. Different types of obsidian exist, differing in their 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 undergoes very rapid cooling, halting the crystallization process.

This can be likened to a piece of lava that suddenly solidifies as it erupts from a volcano. The direct consequence of this phenomenon is the rock's inability to crystallize. The result is the creation of a volcanic glass with a uniform texture, which is classified as an amorphous mineral. Furthermore, obsidian has sharp edges and very thin blades. It is a natural mineral with a complex composition.

Obsidian is composed primarily of silicon dioxide, approximately 70% or more. Its fracture is conchoidal (meaning it is furrowed with curved, concentric striations), and its hardness ranges from 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It exhibits a variety of colors and reflections due to the volcano where it was discovered and its diverse inclusions. It is important to note that each deposit, associated with a particular volcano, yields a unique type of obsidian.

Green, brown, grey or black, it can sometimes have golden, silver, or even all the colours of the rainbow reflections (an effect produced by the presence of hematite or magnesite). It also happens that two colours of obsidian are mixed.

Traces of obsidian have been found in some cutting tools dating back approximately 2 to 4 million years, particularly in Kenya. During archaeological excavations, knives, arrowheads, and spears have been discovered. Depending on its composition, obsidian can sometimes be polished to make rustic mirrors.

As early as 7000 BC, obsidian was widely used in surgery due to its cutting properties. Evidence has been found of trepanation, the removal of a portion of the skull bone, either to clean a wound or to allow spirits to enter.

In Mesopotamia, traces of obsidian blades have been identified dating back to 5000 BC.

In Egypt, obsidian was brought from the Red Sea, Greece, or Italy. The Egyptians valued it for its beauty, its mystique, and its worth. They used it to create the eyes of their statues, notably those in the mask of Tutankhamun (1323 BC). Obsius, returning from Ethiopia, brought back obsidian and decided to name it after himself, hence the Latin word obsidianus. Obsidian was used to make all kinds of decorative objects, jewelry, and tools.

However, in Mexico, there is another legend. In times when the natives lacked food, the men went hunting, where they had to confront wild beasts, even mammoths. They left the 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 left when young Obsid, son of the most valiant of the warriors, saw a shining black stone on the ground. He fastened it securely to a piece of wood. He threw this makeshift weapon at one of the hyenas, which howled 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 after him.

In the Navajo tribe, obsidian was one of the four sacred stones. The mountain of obsidian corresponds to Mount Hesperus. In some creation stories, the heart of man was supposedly created by the gods from obsidian.

For generations, magicians, sorcerers, and prophets have used polished obsidian as a mirror, claiming they could read the future in it. But it was Dr. John Dee (1527–1608) who revived its use to spread his prophecies. He became very famous, and legend has it that he helped thwart several plots against the English crown.

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

Sometimes, two obsidians can blend together and become a single specimen. The most well-known color combination is that of mahogany obsidian. It has two colors: mahogany and black. Mahogany obsidian is actually a natural glass.

In fact, this stone is a rather brown to red variety with brown or black spots. These colors are due to metallic traces.

Mahogany obsidian comes from Mexico. This wonderful reddish-brown volcanic stone is also called mahagonite or mahogany obsidian. The term “mahogany” is primarily used in the United States, as it is the literal English translation of the color mahogany.

This stone is very affordable. You can get a stone, or even a piece of jewelry, for around ten euros. Raw stones are even cheaper. Obsidian layers can be up to 40 meters thick. This stone has a very sharp conchoidal fracture.

Mahogany obsidian is an excellent grounding stone with strong protective properties. However, it is said to be less powerful than black obsidian, making it easier to wear every day.

It instills a sense of responsibility and provides greater clarity in decision-making. It gives strength, courage, and determination.

This stone helps to soothe accumulated anger and remorse. It allows one to confront and overcome them. It brings forgiveness.

It is an essential link between humankind and the Earth. This stone offers the immense advantage of promoting grounding. The person knows exactly what they want. They set concrete goals and succeed in achieving them.

It helps to keep your feet on the ground and stay focused. It encourages you to enjoy the present moment and be firmly grounded in reality, despite all sources of distraction (video games, social networks, the internet, etc.).

It brings stability to mood swings and protects its wearer from excessive sensitivity. Indeed, it provides them with the means to manage hypersensitivity.

This stone effectively combats states of intense sadness. It restores the joy of living and allows one to savor every moment in absolute calm.