All About Obsidian Healing Crystals
Obsidian crystals, a type of volcanic glass, are dark, glossy stones that have been used since the Stone Age. These healing crystals are renowned for their sharpness and were historically used to make cutting tools and weapons. In modern times, obsidian is highly valued in both jewelry-making and spiritual practices for its striking appearance and purported protective properties.
What is Obsidian?
Obsidian is a naturally occurring igneous rock that comes in a variety of colors and textures. It is formed from volcanic lava and has a glassy appearance, so it is often called “volcanic glass.” Obsidian crystals are believed to be the stone of clarity, helping users release emotional, physical, and spiritual blockages.
How Is Obsidian Formed?
Obsidian is created when felsic lava cools so rapidly that mineral crystals cannot form. This process is why obsidian crystal has a smooth and shiny look. This typically occurs in environments where the lava is forced into the water or air or comes into contact with cooler rocks, causing the swift cooling necessary for the stone’s formation.
The History of Obsidian
Obsidian use dates all the way back to the Stone Age when prehistoric peoples used the rock for tool-making due to its sharp edges and easy workability. Obsidian tools such as knives, arrowheads, and scrapers have been uncovered around the world during archeological digs.
In ancient Mesoamerican cultures, obsidian crystal was used in weapons and for building ceremonial objects and ornaments. The Aztecs used the stone to make mirrors, which they believed had metaphysical properties and the ability to communicate with the gods. In the region known as Turkey today, obsidian was used for trade, indicating its value and significance in ancient economies.
Obsidian Rock in the Modern Era
Today, obsidian remains just as cherished as it was by ancient civilizations. Some modern-day uses of this healing stone include:
- Surgical tools
- Cutting tools and knives
- Jewelry
- Art and sculptures
- Rock meditation and energy work
- Decorative home décor
Where Can Obsidian Be Found?
Obsidian can be found near any volcano that has undergone rhyolitic eruptions. This includes many locations in Asia, Europe, Australia, South America, and Africa. In North America, the rock can be found in Canada, Mexico, and certain US states, including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, California, Hawaii, Texas, Idaho, and Utah.
7 Different Types of Obsidian
While black obsidian is the most common and abundant type of obsidian crystal, there are a few other variations that are formed through different processes. Each kind, from the intricate patterns of snowflake obsidian to the iridescent hues of rainbow obsidian, offers unique characteristics and visual appeal.
1. Black Obsidian Variations
Black obsidian is typically a jet-black color due to the lava solidifying in a disordered, non-crystalline structure. However, changes in the lava’s cooling process can sometimes give the stone a dark grey or brown tint.
2. How is Mahogany Obsidian Made?
When iron oxide impurities are present in obsidian, they can give the rock a red-brown color. These impurities are often introduced to the molten lava during the eruption process as the magma comes into contact with mineral-rich rocks and sediments. Mahogany obsidian is especially useful for emotional healing, as it fosters a sense of calm and understanding.
3. Rare Rainbow Obsidian
As the magma cools and solidifies, minerals such as magnetite, hematite, and feldspar can become trapped inside the obsidian’s structure. These inclusions create a rainbow sheen due to a phenomenon known as structural coloration. Unlike pigments, which produce color by absorbing and reflecting certain wavelengths of light, structural colors emerge from how light interacts with the material's microscopic structure.
4. The Legend of Apache Tears Obsidian
In many places in the southwest of the United States, you can find Apache Tears obsidian. These obsidian crystals are small, black, rounded pebbles lodged in perlite and are formed from the remains of obsidian that absorbed water and then decomposed. They have streaks of white in them from the decomposition.
The Apache Tears name comes from a legend about the Apache Braves fighting the US Army cavalry. When the US Army defeated the Apache, Apache warriors who were still mounted to their horses were said to have jumped from the mountain to their deaths below. When the Apache women saw the dead soldiers, they wept, and their tears turned to stone.
5. The Formation of Sheen Obsidian
When microscopic gas bubbles get trapped within the glass during the cooling process, they create thin layers of minerals or crystals within the obsidian. These layers interact with the light and produce the mesmerizing play of colors that creates sheen obsidian. This variation should be used if you are trying to attract wealth and prosperity into your life.
6. Quartz Makes Snowflake Obsidian
If you have past traumas that you are having trouble facing, you should consider purchasing snowflake obsidian. This healing crystal is known for bringing hidden emotions to the surface and helping you work through them.
7. What Causes Green Obsidian?
This variation is formed using the same process as black obsidian. However, the presence of trace minerals such as chlorite and serpentine gives the crystal a green hue. This type of obsidian crystal is relatively rare, but more common than rainbow or snowflake obsidian.
Are Obsidian Crystals Expensive?
Color, clarity, and cut can affect the price of obsidian. Black obsidian is relatively affordable, while rarer colors such as rainbow or snowflake obsidian are more expensive. With clarity, transparent pieces tend to sell at a higher price point than those with cloudiness or impurities.
Additionally, the cut plays a pivotal role in the price as properly cut obsidian is more desirable for jewelry and decorative items. Well-cut pieces can reflect light beautifully, enhancing the stone’s appeal and overall value. Low-grade obsidian will run from around $0.50 to $2.00 per carat, while high grade can cost up to $40 per carat.
Healing Properties of Obsidian
Rich in healing properties, obsidian crystal has historically been considered more precious than gold. This stone is renowned for stimulating growth, offering protection, and connecting with the root chakra. Obsidian goes beyond keeping your mind focused; it aligns both your physical and spiritual body, ensuring complete harmony.
Physical Healing Properties of Obsidian
Obsidian is one of the most protective healing crystals and in a physical sense, it protects us by keeping the body ready for action. Working with an obsidian crystal can be highly effective for anyone who suffers from digestive issues or has problems with their gall bladder. It is also great for circulation and keeping your blood moving in full and healthy flow.
Obsidian's grounding properties are said to relieve physical tension and stress, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. This can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with chronic stress or anxiety.
Mental & Emotional Benefits of Obsidian Crystal
Whether the negative energy comes from external sources or directly from you, working with obsidian will ensure this bad juju does not drag you down. Its protective nature helps you feel safe and secure even when things around you may feel challenging. Other mental and emotional benefits of obsidian include:
- Emotional balance
- Focus and concentration
- Self-reflection
- Releasing past trauma
- Helps individuals stay present
Obsidian Crystals and the Root Chakra
Obsidian is well-known for strengthening the root chakra. Located at the base of the spine, the root chakra helps with grounding, security, and one’s sense of self.
When the root chakra is balanced, you will feel stable, secure, focused, present, and in tune with yourself. However, when this chakra is blocked, you may experience difficulty sleeping, rapid weight gain or loss, fatigue, and a lack of motivation.
How Does Obsidian Unblock the Root Chakra?
Placing obsidian directly on the root chakra can help clear any unwanted energy that may be blocking the energy center. As this chakra stone is highly protective and grounding, you will feel immediate effects on the root chakra and your overall sense of stability. You could pair the obsidian with red jasper, clear quartz, or black tourmaline, as these crystals are also known for balancing the root chakra.
3 Best Ways to Use Obsidian Healing Crystals
With its many healing benefits, it makes sense that obsidian crystal is such a popular choice when shopping for healing stones. In addition to the typical uses for crystals, such as meditating with them or carrying an obsidian worry stone in your pocket, obsidian has a few unique uses.
1. Wearing Obsidian Crystal Jewelry
Obsidian jewelry, such as rings, bracelets, and necklaces, is a trendy choice for healing gemstone jewelry. The glassy black color makes captivating pieces that show off the gemstone's physical attributes and serve as a charm for protection and security.
Whether you choose a stunning obsidian necklace to keep its healing powers close to your heart or a bold pair of earrings that remind you of the powerful energy the stone brings, embracing obsidian crystal jewelry can help transform your life and bring you a sense of peace.
Which Stones Pair Well with Obsidian Crystals?
In addition to wearing your obsidian jewelry, you can also combine the stone with other healing crystals for even more healing benefits. Obsidian pairs well with hematite due to the stone’s equally potent grounding properties. Wearing the two stones together can ward off negative energy and improve your self-confidence.
The black color of obsidian pairs nicely with the vibrant blue of lapis lazuli, and the healing benefits of both stones work well in tandem with one another. Lapis lazuli is a stone of truth, known for sharpening the mind and bringing compassion to interactions with other people. Other stones to pair with obsidian include:
- Labradorite
- Onyx
- Black tourmaline
2. Decorating with Obsidian Crystal
Obsidian is the perfect crystal for home decoration because its black color complements any style, and its protective properties ensure the safety of your home. Keep obsidian crystal close to your entryway so all who enter leave behind negative energies and are welcomed with a pure heart.
Additionally, as obsidian is a strong stone for grounding, its healing powers are well received when you place it in your office or workspace. The grounding properties will help you stay true to yourself and your vision for your career. It will help you say no to projects or tasks that derail you from your desires.
3. Add Obsidian to Your Skincare Routine
One unique way to use obsidian is in your skincare routine. Since this crystal naturally retains warmth and encourages stimulation of the lymphatic system, many companies have begun making obsidian crystal face rollers or gua sha tools. When added to your daily routine, it can have the following benefits for your skin:
- Skin tone: Obsidian is known to balance your skin tone and revitalize your appearance.
- Skin clarity: The crystal can help reduce toxins, leading to brighter and clearer skin.
- Skin blemishes: Using an obsidian face roller or gua sha can fade acne scars and reduce blemishes.
- Skin massage: Obsidian skincare tools can massage the face, which will lift, smooth, strengthen, and depuff the skin.
How to Cleanse Your Obsidian Crystal
As obsidian is a protection stone, it is highly absorbent and needs to be cleansed, recharged, and activated regularly. Cleansing the crystal can be as simple as running it under water, but this stone, in particular, likes to be cleansed and recharged under the moonlight. Leave the stone outside overnight, and all negative energy will be cleared by the time you wake up in the morning.
Other options for cleansing and recharging include smudging the stone, placing it in a selenite or smoky quartz crystal bowl, or using the vibrations of a sound bowl to clear negative energy. Sound bowls are great for obsidian because the stone reacts well to the vibrations given off from the bowl.
Obsidian crystals are a fascinating blend of natural beauty and historical significance, offering both aesthetic and practical value. Whether used in ancient tools, modern jewelry, or spiritual practices, their unique properties continue to captivate and inspire. Working with the power of any healing crystal allows us to connect with its many healing properties and utilize them in our spiritual journeys!