Obsidian is a very famous black stone popularly known for its protective properties both bad energies and radiation. You could confuse it with other black stones such as shungite, tourmaline or onyx; However, obsidian has a very characteristic shine. Let’s see why it is so well known and the properties that it is traditionally believed to provide us!

The origin of obsidian is volcanic: The lava solidified by the rapid cooling of magmas rich in silicic acid, forming obsidian. In fact, due to its origin and formation, it is usually defined more as a glass or a mineraloid than as a mineral.

In ancient times, obsidian was used to create very sharp knives and tools for cutting and cooking. Furthermore, also It was used as a mirrorsince it has a shine that can be reflective if worked well.

Obsidians of different colors

The best known obsidian is black. However, there are many other types: in brown, red, gold, blue, greenish or gray tones. And, as with other stones that can take on different colors (for example, tourmaline or quartz), it is worth reviewing all the types of obsidian that nature gives us for you to choose from. the one that catches your attention the most. Note that sometimes nature seems to combine chemical elements by chance; However, then you see the result and it is hard not to believe in a wise hand putting bits of beauty in its creations:

• Snow Obsidian: It is black with small circular spots of white, as if they were snow.
• Apache Tear Obsidian: It has a rougher appearance and small white threads.
• Black obsidian: It is the most common variety of the stone, all one tone and very shiny.
• Rainbow obsidian: Be careful because it can be confused with black obsidian; However, it presents soft iridescent and colored chromatic bands due to the magnetite inlays during its formation.
• Golden obsidian: It has a small golden glow on the surface, this is explained because there were small gas bubbles that remained in the lava before it cooled.
• Mahogany obsidian: It has brown bands due to the presence of iron oxide during its formation.

Properties of obsidian

When a person begins to be interested in the therapeutic and spiritual use of minerals, obsidian is one of the first stones they know. It is very famous as an initiation stone, because it has the ability to directly show you your shadows so that you can integrate them and work on those parts of yourself that are hardest to navigate. Obsidian, even though it is a black stone, has the ability to bring a lot of light into our lives, but light sometimes requires going through the darkness.

As I told you at the beginning, it is a mineral that It is used for protection, purity and energetic cleansingas well as for the connection with mother earth.

When using obsidian you must be aware of the strength of the mineral’s effect. If you are in a moment of great sensitivityI would not recommend it, in the same way that I do not recommend it for children.

On a physical level it is effective against arthritis and rheumatism. Also helps channel the nerves well avoiding the typical symptoms: stiffness in the shoulders and neck or discomfort in the stomach. It helps you relax and allows situations to happen naturally; counteracts doubts and unstable emotional situations.

All types of obsidian share these properties; however, obsidians that are not black have a more subtle energy and its properties change slightly:

• Snow Obsidian: It favors body-mind-spirit balance and is recommended for meditation.
• Apache Tear Obsidian: encourages rooting and helps relieve tension and sadness.
• Rainbow obsidian: helps release codependencies.
• golden obsidian: favors the connection with the past and future.
• Mahogany obsidian: Its red color is related to the root chakra, so it favors the connection with the earth.

Caring for obsidian

My recommendation for cleaning obsidian or any black stone is very specific and is always the same. It is true that it differs from many articles on the internet, but I consider it to be the best option. Very simple: leave it under the tap for twenty seconds so that it is cleansed and, if you feel it, bury her overnight.

Moving water is what works best to cleanse energy and burying it is useful for return the darkness to the stone and thus recharge it.

Black stones, since they tend to trap a lot of negativity, it is good to clean them a little more often than the others. However, it is not necessary to obsess: once a month will be enough.

Remember that obsidian is a powerful stone that It will allow you to really look in the mirror; Always do it with compassionate and loving eyes.