Obsidian
Natural Obsidian Crystal | Stone of Protection & Truth
Discover the powerful, protective energy of Obsidian. Known as the "Stone of Truth," this volcanic glass reveals hidden truths, protects against negativity, and provides grounding energy.
Uses
Protection, grounding, truth revelation, emotional healing, & spiritual growth.
Intentions
Shielding from negativity, revealing inner truths, promoting clarity, and releasing past traumas.
Chakras
Root Chakra, Solar Plexus Chakra
Origins
United States, Mexico, Japan, Iceland, Italy, Armenia, Peru.
Colors
Deep black, sometimes with mahogany, gold, or rainbow sheens.
Planet
Saturn, Pluto
Zodiac Sign
Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn
What is Obsidian Crystal?
Do you struggle with negative energy, emotional blockages, or difficulty facing hard truths? Obsidian is known as the stone of deep healing and protection, helping to shield against negativity while revealing the truths we need to see for personal growth.
Formed from volcanic lava that cooled rapidly, Obsidian is actually natural glass rather than a crystal. This gives it unique properties for cutting through illusion and revealing the core of any situation. Its sharp energy can help you see yourself and your circumstances with absolute clarity.
The Origins & History of Obsidian
Obsidian has been used by various cultures throughout history for both practical and spiritual purposes. Ancient Mesoamerican cultures like the Aztecs and Maya crafted obsidian into mirrors, weapons, and ceremonial objects. They believed it could reveal the future and provide protection.
In ancient Egypt, obsidian was used for ornamental purposes and was believed to protect against negative energies. Native American cultures used obsidian for arrowheads, knives, and scraping tools, as well as in spiritual ceremonies for scrying and protection rituals.
Obsidian Geological Properties
Before we delve into the meaning and benefits of Obsidian, let's appreciate its unique physical properties and formation.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Classification | Volcanic glass |
| Composition | 70-75% Silicon Dioxide, plus Magnesium, Iron |
| Origin | Areas with volcanic activity: USA, Mexico, Japan, Iceland |
| Hardness on Mohs | 5-5.5 |
| Transparency Level | Opaque |
| Colors | Black, sometimes with brown, red, gold or rainbow sheens |
| Luster | Vitreous |
Healing Properties & Benefits of Obsidian
Obsidian is a powerful stone for protection and truth-seeking. Let's explore its physical, emotional, and metaphysical benefits.
Physical Healing
Supports digestion, reduces pain and arthritis, improves circulation, aids in detoxification, and supports wound healing.
Emotional Healing
Reveals hidden emotions, releases past traumas, helps process grief, reduces tension and stress, and promotes emotional clarity.
Metaphysical Properties
Protect from Negativity | Reveal Truths | Ground Energy | Release Blockages. Connects to root chakra for grounding and solar plexus for personal power.
Did you know?
Obsidian is formed when lava cools so quickly that mineral crystals don't have time to grow. This gives it a smooth, glass-like texture. Ancient surgeons used obsidian blades for procedures because they could be made much sharper than metal scalpels. Even today, some surgical blades are made from obsidian for precision operations.
How to Use Obsidian
Obsidian can be utilized in various forms to harness its protective and truth-revealing energy. Here's how to incorporate Obsidian into your daily life:
In Your Home
Place near entryways to protect from negative energy, in meditation spaces for truth-seeking, or in offices to promote clear decision-making.
As Jewelry
Wear as bracelets, necklaces, or rings to keep its protective energy with you throughout the day and shield against negativity.
In Meditation
Hold Obsidian in your hand or place it on your Root Chakra during meditation to ground your energy and reveal inner truths.
How to Cleanse & Charge Obsidian
Obsidian has a Mohs hardness of 5-5.5, making it more fragile than many crystals. Proper care is essential to maintain its energy and appearance.
Do These
- Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water
- Dry with a soft cloth immediately
- Store separately in padded containers
- Cleanse with moonlight or sound vibrations
- Charge by burying in earth overnight
Avoid These
- Harsh chemicals and cleaners
- Extreme temperature changes
- Dropping or knocking against hard surfaces
- Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
Lithotherapist Advice:
Obsidian has a hardness rating of 5-5.5 on the Mohs scale, making it more susceptible to scratches and chips than many crystals. Store your obsidian pieces separately in soft pouches. Because it's actually volcanic glass, it can break if dropped on hard surfaces. Handle with care during cleansing rituals.
Identifying Real Obsidian Crystals
Distinguishing genuine Obsidian from imitations is important for those seeking its protective properties.
Characteristics of Natural Obsidian
- Color: Deep black, sometimes with reddish-brown streaks (mahogany obsidian) or rainbow sheens.
- Texture: Smooth, glassy surface that feels cool to the touch.
- Weight: Feels heavier than most plastic imitations.
- Imperfections: May contain small bubbles or inclusions from its volcanic formation.
Lithotherapist Advice:
Genuine obsidian will feel cool to the touch and may have slight imperfections. Be wary of pieces that are too light (likely plastic) or completely uniform. At Brie and Marie, we ensure our crystals are 100% authentic by sourcing directly from trusted miners and testing them in reputable laboratories.
Obsidian FAQ's
What does Obsidian do?
Obsidian is believed to provide protection from negativity, reveal hidden truths, ground spiritual energy, and help process emotional trauma. It's a powerful stone for shadow work and personal growth, helping to shield against negative energies while promoting self-awareness and emotional healing.
Is Obsidian good for protection?
Yes, obsidian is one of the most powerful protective stones available. It creates a psychic shield against negativity, environmental stress, and emotional manipulation. Many people place obsidian in their homes near entrances or wear it as jewelry to maintain continuous protection throughout the day.
How does Obsidian help with emotional healing?
Obsidian helps bring suppressed emotions and past traumas to the surface so they can be addressed and released. It promotes honesty with oneself and helps process grief, anger, and fear in a healthy way. By revealing these hidden emotional patterns, obsidian facilitates deep emotional healing and personal transformation.
Can Obsidian be used for scrying?
Yes, black obsidian mirrors have been used for scrying (divination) for centuries. The reflective surface is believed to help access subconscious knowledge and reveal insights about past, present, or future events. Many practitioners use obsidian spheres or mirrors for meditation and visionary work.
Invite Protection and Truth Into Your Life
At Brie and Marie, we source each Obsidian for its protective properties and grounding energy, ensuring you receive a genuine stone that you can connect with. Add the powerful energy of Obsidian to your collection today.
Explore Our Obsidian CollectionDisclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only. Crystal healing is a complementary therapy and should not replace professional medical advice.