
Both are found worldwide and have been used for thousands of years as tools and adornments.īlack Obsidian stone is non-crystalline, meaning it has no actual structure and is just a solid mass. Black Tourmalineīlack tourmaline is a member of the quartz family, whereas Black Obsidian is a variety of volcanic glass. The Romans had a similar belief about the healing properties of Black Obsidian: they thought it could absorb evil spirits.

The Egyptians and Mesopotamians used Black Obsidian as a tool, but they also used it to symbolize their power. Some Native Americans still use this Obsidian for these purposes today! They also believed wearing this stone would protect them from danger and evil spirits. Native Americans also recognized Obsidian’s healing properties: they treated wounds with it and drank water boiled in Black obsidian pots to treat stomach problems. It fractures easily into many small pieces when struck with another hard object, making it excellent for carving arrowheads and spear points. They used it to make tools and weapons because it was very sharp. They were first used by Native Americans in North America as far back as 5,000 years ago. Significant deposits of Obsidian are found in:īlack Obsidian crystals have been used for thousands of years. Most Obsidian is found in volcanic regions or places where volcanic activity has occurred. Mineral Groupīlack Obsidian crystals are found all around the world. Obsidian is usually opaque and shiny with no distinctive cleavage (it can’t be split into thin layers). In addition, the obsidian edges are often razor-sharp (this is where its nickname “nature’s glass” comes from).

This means that Obsidian contains far less oxygen than ordinary glasses do. It is not made of glass instead, it is called “volcanic glass” because its composition is mostly silicon dioxide (SiO2), with trace amounts of other elements such as aluminum and iron. Obsidian can be shattered with a hammer blow! It has an extremely high surface tension (the force required to separate it into two or more pieces), making it very brittle. Obsidian is a volcanic glass that forms when lava cools and hardens rapidly from the molten state. The gas bubbles create pockets inside the lava filled with a unique combination of chemicals and elements like sulfur, chlorine, and iodine-these elements give Obsidian its distinctive dark color. The most common type of Black Obsidian is known as “obsidian hydrate”, which forms when water and other gases escape through the lava flow as it cools. In either case, the cooling process results in Black Obsidian. It may also be made in other ways: by violent eruptions or by lava flowing into cold water.
BLACK OBSIDIAN PROPERTIES MEANING CRACKED
When this happens, the molten rock does not have time to form crystals, so it becomes a glassy rock that can be smooth and shiny or cracked and rough. Formationīlack Obsidian is formed when lava cools quickly. The typical appearance of polished Obsidian ranges from smooth and glossy to somewhat matte or frosty looking without being dull!īlack Obsidian crystal may resemble other black stones such as Onyx, Black Tourmaline, Hematite, and Jet. Obsidian is often opaque (you can’t see through it), but some pieces are translucent (you can see through them).Īs with all glass objects, Obsidian has a shiny surface if polished and dull if not polished. This process often leaves the surface of Obsidian rough and uneven, with small fissures or cracks throughout the stone. This stone forms when molten lava cools very rapidly, causing an instant formation of crystals. The color comes from iron impurities in the rock. Appearanceīlack Obsidian crystal is usually black or dark gray, but it can sometimes be brown or dark green.

The name Obsidian is thought to have originated from the Roman term “obsianus lapis,” which means “stone of Obsius.” Obsius was a Roman explorer who reportedly discovered it in Ethiopia.

Other varieties of Obsidian include snowflake Obsidian, rainbow obsidian, mahogany obsidian, apache tears, and gold sheen obsidian. This stone can be found around the world in areas with volcanic activity.Įach piece of Black Obsidian is unique as it has been cut from its source rock and polished no two ever look exactly alike! The physical appearance of this Obsidian variety indicates its high content of iron oxide, which gives it its deep, rich color. Many believe its dark color and sheen can dull sharp edges and soothe pain or anger. Named for its dark, smoky appearance, Black Obsidian crystal is said to have protective properties. Black Obsidian crystal is a type of natural volcanic glass.
