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

BRA-OBSN-02
Origin: Mexico
Grade: A

Elastic bracelet with 7-8mm snowflake obsidian beads
Patterns and colors may vary from one bracelet to another.

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, Madagascar, the United States, etc.

A natural volcanic stone, snowflake obsidian is composed of glass and gray-white cristobalite (also called spherulite) crystals. This obsidian crystallizes in places due to weathering and erosion. The spherulites can vary in size and number, and can be round or irregularly shaped. This unique combination evokes a snowy landscape.

This very special stone is ideal for decoration. Wherever it is placed, it inspires admiration. It can be transported anywhere. It is also used in the making of jewelry or items for crystal healing.

This amorphous rock holds beautiful symbolism. The dark color of snowflake obsidian absorbs negative energies, while the lighter part diffuses a gentle, positive energy. It is also said to be the stone of harmony between yin and yang.

This snowflake obsidian is often mistakenly identified as flower obsidian. Flower obsidian does not have the same color. In fact, it has pinkish-brown markings. The two types of obsidian should not be confused.

Snowflake obsidian is mainly found in Mexico and the United States.

Snowflake obsidian possesses numerous virtues. It is a stone of balance between mind, body, and soul. It is excellent for those seeking to enhance their personal development. It dispels negative thoughts and encourages self-improvement. With this stone, solitude is no longer a burden, but an opportunity for self-fulfillment.

This stone is highly recommended for meditation. It facilitates the letting go essential for introspection. It develops concentration and strengthens grounding. It allows for deep inner work and helps overcome certain childhood traumas. It is a stone of resilience, providing stability and comfort during times of uncertainty.

Snowflake obsidian, like most obsidians, helps to remove psychic, emotional, physical, and mental blockages. It fosters self-awareness and offers opportunities for progress in life. It gives its wearer greater assurance and confidence, enabling them to make plans and set achievable goals.

This is a stone of change, whether professional or familial. It accompanies its wearer throughout the adaptation process. Furthermore, it protects them from negative energies, as it absorbs them. It combats anxiety, shyness, and buried fears. Thus, it releases accumulated anger and resentment while restoring harmony and serenity.

Snowflake obsidian, with its black color and light spots, is the stone of perfect balance between yin and yang. Furthermore, it soothes and heals wounds of the heart.