Sunday’s Gem — Obsidian

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein, German-born theoretical physicist

Feeling under stress? Suffering from pain or a wounded spirit?

Then get yourself some Obsidian!

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Tumbled black Obsidian stones, approximately 1″ in size, $2 each. Available at https://www.el9shop.com/product/black-obsidian-tumbled-stone/

Obsidian forms when molten lava cools quickly into glass before crystallization can take place.

Known as a “mineraloid,” Obsidian typically appears in jet black. Other colors include dark brown, gray, or gray-green, depending on which trace elements occur with it.

Obsidian is found throughout the world in areas of geologically recent volcanic activity. Thus, no specimens are found east of the U.S. Mississippi River.

Sometimes called a “psychic vacuum cleaner,” Obsidian clears emotional debris from the past while protecting you from fear, anger, and anxiety.

Obsidian’s use dates back to the Old Stone Age, when its ability to be broken into curved surfaces with sharp edges made it ideal for cutting weapons, including arrowheads and knives. In the Middle East, it was used for circumcision; ancient Melanesians used it for tattooing the skin; people on Easter Island used it for food preparation and cultivation. They also placed Obsidian as the pupils in the eyes of their statues. Early Mesoamericans polished Obsidian into mirrors.

Obsidian today is carved into cabochons, tumbled stones, beads, or jewelry, though its uses are limited because it’s relatively soft (5.5 on the 1-10 Mohs scale of hardness). It’s also used in surgical scalpels.

The name Obsidian comes from an erroneous transcription of the Latin word meaning “the stone of Obsius,” for the Roman who discovered it. While it’s not a historical, traditional, or natural birthstone, Obsidian is the zodiac stone for Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19).

On the physical plane, Obsidian is thought to ease muscle tension, improve circulation, and speed the healing of wounds. It’s also a digestive aid and is used to support efforts to battle dependencies.

Obsidian vibrates to the Base, or Root, Chakra, the foundation of the body’s physical and spiritual energy. Known as the stone of truth, Obsidian cuts through lies and illusions. It’s a powerful stone and should be used with care, as the truth it reveals can be overwhelming.

Feng Shui practitioners suggest placing Obsidian near electronics to absorb electromagnetic radiation, near the front door of your home (to guard against unwanted energy), and in the north (water energy) area of a home to clear obstacles in one’s career or life path.

Note: The claims here aren’t meant to take the place of medical advice. They’re based on folklore and other sources, and likely “work” best if one’s belief is strong enough!