*Black Obsidian palm stone with ring of Silver Sheen. Smoothed, Mexico.*

Obsidian is an amorphous silica-rich volcanic rock, or more specifically, volcanic glass. The chemical makeup is mainly Si02 (70% or more). Obsidian is formed during the fast-moving flow and hardening of lava. During formation, chains of polymers in the lava obstruct the connection of mineral components, so the volcanic glass actually contains no crystal. Sometimes, obsidian is classified as a mineraloid. On the Mohs scale it is a 5 – 5.5.

Obsidian is primarily black or dark brown. Grey or green color is caused by iron or magnesium. Due to different sheens & undertones within Obsidian, several varieties occur in nature, including snowflake, mahogany, rainbow, peacock, & gold- or silver-sheen obsidian. Rainbow Obsidian is black obsidian that when polished, and put into light, reveals beautiful arrays of color, due to the molten lava cooling at different times within the stone while it was forming. The 3 elements of Earth, Water, & Fire in a single stone is extremely powerful!

A LITTLE HISTORY

Black Obsidian has been known by humans since Paleolithic times. The conchoidal structure made it suitable for making arrowheads and other tools. It has long been used by alchemists & shamans for powerful healing & psychic powers. Obsidian was one of the first materials to be formed, polished, and utilized as a mirror.

The name derives from the Ancient Roman, Obsius. It is found all over the world, including Japan, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Scotland, Turkey, USA, Australia, Guatemala, Greece, El Salvador, and Iceland.

Apache Tears are smaller, naturally-rounded nuggets of Obsidian smoothed by wind and water. This nickname given to a type of Obsidian commonly found in the Southwestern USA, especially Arizona.

Apache Tears are a specific Black Obsidian type found in the Southwest USA. These are from Arizona.

The name references the annihilation of the Pinal Apache natives by the US military in Arizona. Some Pinal Apache chose to leap from the edge of a cliff, rather than be shot. The Apache women grieved the loss of their dead at the foot of the cliff and the Great Father embedded their tears in the black obsidian stones. Legend says whomever carries one of these stones need never cry again, for the Apache women wept enough in their place. Apache Tears are believed to help establish and cultivate deep connections with Earth + encourage strength, courage, & hope when facing adversity. They also make the process and action of forgiveness easier, whether offering forgiveness and receiving forgiveness.

ENERGETICS & METAPHYSICS

· Contains a protective energy, especially in psychic & emotional sense

· Strong grounding & centering energy

· Cleanses negativity (anger, greed, fear, etc.) in the aura field, environment, & Self

· Acts as a mirror

· Assists in spirit communication

· Brings luck

· Cleanses the aura

· Assists with mental clarity

· Dissolves emotional blockages & ancient traumas

· Promotes compassion and strength

· Blocks geopathic stress, soaks up environmental pollution

· Stimulates growth on all levels

GETTING STARTED with BLACK OBSIDIAN (aka what it can do for you)

(spiritual and emotional healing)

*Gold Sheen Obsidian palm stone. Mexico.*

Black Obsidian is wonderful for emotional healing. It can help clear negative thoughts and unconscious thought patterns to avoid destructive behaviors which no longer serves the Higher Self, such as addictions, eating disorders, abusive behavior, & negative outlooks. Obsidian provides deep Soul-healing for emotional wounds or trauma from your past or past lives. Snowflake Obsidian, for example, is good for people suffering from PTSD.

As a stone with high grounding energy, Black Obsidian is good for meditation, healing, & spiritual work, even as a tool to connect you with higher realms or loved ones that have passed on.

To use the stone for spiritual use, hold the stone while meditating or during prayer. Wear Obsidian jewelry or carry Obsidian in your pocket. Hold the stone when you need to draw from its energy. By looking at Black Obsidian in low-light environments, images of passed-on loved ones can appear in spirit or through heart-mind communication.

(physical healing)

Black Obsidian aids in digestion, promotes good heart health, lowers blood pressure, improves circulation, dissolves blockages & tension (such as hardened arteries), speeds up the healing of sprains, bruises, sores or wounds, & can assist in gall bladder issues. It’s especially good for people with chronically cold hands or feet.

Black Obsidian reduces arthritis pain, joint problems, cramps, and other physical injuries. It can pull stress and tension from the body, thereby assisting with viral or bacterial infections and benefiting muscle tissue, which reduces feelings of anxiety and/or depression. Meditating with Black Obsidian can provide insight or “gut feelings” on what source is causing physical discomfort (a “mirror” effect). Release tension by placing Obsidian on the body where the tension exists or from where it emanates. Laying Obsidian on the body can help speed healing.

(other ways to use black obsidian)

Black Obsidian placed by your bed, under your pillow, or at your place of work can help alleviate mental stress & tension, providing calm & perhaps clarity on the causes of your stress.

Due to the ability to root out problems and clear negative energy, counselors & therapists might find Black Obsidian helpful in the general environment or with specific circumstances, issues, and clients.

Place Black Obsidian in your car for protection!

REFERENCES

· The Book of Stones

· Gemstagram.com

· Encyclopedia Britannica

· Thecrystaldictionary.com

· Thehealingchest.com

· GeologyIn.com

· Wikipedia

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The content of this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using stone medicine. For more information, click here.

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