Obsidian

Obsidian has been used in jewelry, as genstone statues as well as other ornamental purposes. Obsidians possess the unique property of a dual appearance: when cut in one direction, the stone is beautiful jet black, when cut on the opposite direction, the stone is beautiful gray. It has been used in variety types of jewelry such as rings, necklaces, pendants and brooches.

Obsidian Information

Physical Properties

Obsidian is a dark semi-precious gemstone that is naturally formed from occurring volcanic glass. The crystal is also known as Apache tears. It is a rock, not a mineral, for it is formed out of cryptocrystalline silica grains in a glassy suspension. The crystal is produced when lava is extruded from a volcano that cools with no crystal growth happening. Unlike other volcanic rocks, obsidians are devoid of large holes and bubbles.

Colors

Obsidians are typically dark in appearance. Their color varies from dark green, brown, grey, red, blue black, or anything in between. Some rare stones feature an almost colorless color. These color variations are due to presence of other impurities like iron and magnesium. The crystal is rich in silica, which has about 35% to 80% of the said material. Obsidian is fragile thus it has the tendency to crack.

Where Obsidian Is Found

Obsidian got its name from "Obsidianus", a volcanic glass that has close semblance to a stone found in Ethiopia by one fellow named Obsius. The crystal can be found in places that have experienced rhyolitic eruptions. The stones can be found in Chile, Greece, Iceland, Japan, Italy, Turkey, Scotland, Peru and more. In the US itself, it can be found in many different states, such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Texas, Oregon and Utah.

History

The gemstone has been known since antiquity. It has been valued since Stone Age, used in weaponry for it can be fractured to make blades and arrowheads. The stone was also used to produce early mirrors. The stone has also been instrumental in ancient Meso-American civilizations. Studies have seen that it has been used for commerce, construction, production and distribution. The Meso-Americans used the stone for tools and ornaments. They carved swords with obsidian blades, and many other weapons. The Ancient Native Americans traded obsidians all throughout the continent. It held a huge importance in the development of these ancient civilizations.

Other Uses

Obsidians have been used for many important uses outside ornamental purposes. The stone has been used in Cardiac surgery, as surgical blades. These obsidian blades are many times sharper than the highest quality of steel surgical blades. Even the sharpest of metal knives have jagged, irregular blades when viewed under a microscope. Obsidian blades, on the other hand, are smooth and even when viewed under a strong electron microscope.

Lore and Myths

Like most gemstones, obsidians are believed to have many medicinal and healing properties. The gemstone is known as the "stone of truth". The gemstone is believed to be able to dispel any sort of negativity and transform them into positive attitudes. The gemstone helps its owners see their inner flaws and make the necessary changes to improve and remove these flaws. This helps the individual become a better person and improve his way of life. The stone also helps relieve stress and ailments. The crystal can protect the individual from physical and emotional harm. The black gemstone is a symbol of resilience, control and spirit. The crystal is a stabilizer and also a chastiser.