Collection: Obsidian

Obsidian is a volcanic rock rich in silica. Different kinds of obsidian exist. They differ due to the chemical composition of the rock. Obsidian is actually a natural glass. It forms during an eruption of lava rich in silica with less than 3% water. As it leaves the volcano, it cools very quickly, freezing the crystallization process.

This may be similar to a piece of lava suddenly frozen as it leaves the volcano. The direct consequence of this phenomenon is the impossibility for the rock to crystallize. The result is the creation of a volcanic glass with a uniform texture and which we describe as an amorphous mineral. Furthermore, obsidian has sharp edges and blades of great finesse. It is a natural mineral with a complex composition.

So, obsidian consists mainly of silicon dioxide about 70%, or even more. Its fracture is conchoidal (i.e. furrowed with curved and concentric streaks) and its hardness is 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale. It has different colors, different reflections due to the volcano where it was discovered and its various inclusions. It should be noted that each deposit, linked to a volcano, provides a different obsidian.

Green, brown, gray or black, it can sometimes have golden, silver, or even all the colors of the rainbow reflections (effect produced by the presence of hematites or magnesites). It also happens that two colors of obsidian mix.

We find traces of obsidian in certain sharp objects dating from approximately 2 to 4 million years ago, particularly in Kenya. During archaeological excavations, knives, arrows and spears were discovered. Sometimes, obsidian depending on its composition can be polished to make rustic mirrors.

As early as 7,000 BC, obsidian was widely used in surgery because of its cutting properties. We find traces of trepanation, removal of part of the skull bone either to clean a wound or to bring in spirits.

In Mesopotamia, traces of obsidian blades have been identified as early as 5,000 BC.

In Egypt, obsidian was brought from the Red Sea, Greece or Italy. The Egyptians used it for its beauty, mystery and value. They made the eyes of their statues, notably those in the mask of Tutankhamun (1323 BC). Obsius, returning from Ethiopia, brought back obsidians and decided to give them their name, obsidianus in Latin. Obsidian was used to make all kinds of ornamental objects, jewelry and tools.

However, in Mexico, there is another legend. At a time when the natives lacked food, men went hunting where they had to face wild beasts, even mammoths. They left women and children under the protection of the elders. Then, one day, the tribe was attacked by wild and ferocious hyenas. But the elders no longer had weapons when young Obsid, son of the most valiant of warriors, saw a shiny black stone on the ground. He tied it securely to a piece of wood. He threw this makeshift weapon at one of the hyenas, who screamed in pain, causing all the others to flee. The whole tribe honored the young Obsid and granted him the status of warrior and the stone was thus baptized in his name.

In the Navajo tribe, obsidian was one of the 4 sacred stones. Obsidian Mountain corresponds to Mount Hesperus. In some stories of their creation, man's heart is said to have been created by the gods with obsidian.

For generations, mages, sorcerers and prophets have used polished obsidian as a mirror. They claimed to be able to read the future in it. But it was Dr John Dee (1527 - 1608) who used it again to spread his prophecies. He became very famous and the story goes that he helped foil certain plots against the English crown.

The main deposits of obsidian are located in Mexico, Madagascar, the United States, etc.

In Lithotherapy, it is pure and basic obsidian. Made up of more than 70% silica, it owes its beautiful dark color to the presence of iron. It has almost no inclusions except for a few magnetite nanoparticles.

During archaeological excavations, these are often discoveries of tools and weapons made from black obsidian. The legend of young Obsid highlights the discovery of black obsidian on the ground, extremely sharp.

Black Obsidian is a smooth, shiny stone, similar to glass due to its shiny, reflective surface. This stone can break into fragments with curved edges. This feature is ideal for making cutting objects.

Today, black obsidian is frequently used in jewelry and ornamental objects. This stone has powerful benefits in lithotherapy.