For centuries, crystals have been used in many religions for a variety of purposes.
Today, people still use crystals for meditation, spells, protection, and more.
When it comes to protective stones, few are as powerful as obsidian.
Many people believe that wearing a piece of jewelry with obsidian is a great way to protect themselves from psychic attacks, negativity, etc.
If jewelry isn't your thing, you can always keep a piece of obsidian in your pocket, wallet, or purse.
Today we are going to discuss obsidian, its meaning, how it can be used, and much more. Let's get started.
What is Obsidian, and Where does it Come From?
While many people think of obsidian as a stone or crystal, it is actually an igneous rock that becomes volcanic glass.
Obsidian is formed naturally, coming from felsic lava as it cools rapidly.
Obsidian is very lustrous and has a texture much like glass.
Normally black in color, obsidian can also be found in a variety of other colors, including gold, mahogany, snowflake, and rainbow.
This stone is extremely hard and was often used to make tools, including cutting tools and arrowheads.
In fact, the sharp edges are symbolic of stabbing through the darkness to see the light.
Many think that black stones, including obsidian, draw negative energy. Actually, it is just the opposite.
Obsidian is a stone that can protect the wearer from negative energy and help to keep them grounded and stable.
Whether you choose black obsidian or one of the other colors, you can be sure that any of the colors will provide you with a healing vibration that will allow you to pick yourself up and carry on, no matter how tough things can get.
How is Obsidian Formed?
Obsidian is a product of lava from volcanoes all over the world.
When the lava spews from the volcano, it quickly begins to cool once it hits the air.
When the lava cools this quickly, it becomes a glass-like stone known as obsidian.
It is smooth and hard and has the appearance of a thick piece of colored glass.
Where does Obsidian Come From?
This stone has been around for many centuries and was used by the Mayans for trade as early as 100 B.C.
Today, it can be found all over the world, from Greece to Ireland to the jungles and lost cities of Mexico.
Obsidian was loved by the Aztecs and Mayans, who used it in a variety of ways, including housewares, weapons, and jewelry.
At one point, obsidian was worth more than gold!
In addition to practical uses, obsidian has also been used for many rituals by shamans, healers, and spiritualists.
Even crystal gazers have used this stone to help them peer into the spiritual realms.
It is thought that the sharp edges of this stone symbolize darkness that could be pierced so the gazer could see the truth.
The polished surface of obsidian is much like a mirror, which is likely why it has been so popular for scrying.
The fact that it comes from lava gives this stone raw energy you can feel simply by holding it in your hand.
Obsidian and the Zodiac
While not considered a typical birthstone, obsidian is an amulet for Scorpio, and it can also be used by Sagittarians.
Scorpios are fiery and passionate and ruled by Pluto and Mars (the gods of war and the underworld).
While it is great that Scorpios have all of this fire inside, it can also cause them to burn out because they are dealing with so many emotions all the time.
Obsidian can help the user see things on a much deeper level, and it can help them stay grounded even when everything around them seems crazy.
If you think that black obsidian is a bit too intense for you, don't despair because you can always use other types of obsidian for protection.
When it comes to Sagittarians, obsidian can also be used as a birthstone.
In fact, the adventurous nature of Sagitarrius and the grounding of obsidian make for a terrific pairing because they complement each other so well.
Black obsidian is protective in nature and can help the user to stop and think before they actually act.
Wearing obsidian will keep the Sagittarian grounded without feeling tied down. This is because it sends extra energy into the ground to be absorbed.
Types of Obsidian
While most people are familiar with black obsidian, this stone comes in various colors and shades.
Let's take a look at some of the different kinds of obsidian.
#1. Black Obsidian
Since black is the most commonly known type of obsidian, we will start by talking about black obsidian.
This stone is as black as night and a powerful tool for anyone needing grounding or protection.
It is also a healing stone; it can break through falseness to seek the truth.
#2. Rainbow Obsidian
Rainbow obsidian has luminous colors beneath its surface. This dreamy stone looks like the colors you see in an oil slick.
Rainbow obsidian can be used for centering and grounding. It can also be used to keep the root chakra healthy.
#3. Snowflake Obsidian
The surface of snowflake obsidian is dark, and you will notice white patterns floating beneath that darkness.
This stone is used for shifting patterns. It can be used to soothe many negative vibrations, from anger to depression to anxiety and more.
#4. Mahogany Obsidian
Mahogany obsidian is a rich shade of mahogany and is known for having powers of protection.
If you find yourself dealing with vulnerability, negativity, or even psychic attacks, it is a good idea to wear mahogany obsidian for protection.
#5. Golden Obsidian
Golden obsidian, also referred to as the Wizard Stone, is often used to activate the third eye. It can focus on negativity, allowing you to get past it and move on to a higher plane. This stone is streaked with golden colors and is very pleasing to the eye.
What does Obsidian Do? Healing Properties, Powers, & Uses
Obsidian is loaded with healing properties, which is likely why it was more valuable than gold at one time.
This is a stone that is all about growth. It is a protective stone that can help you to connect with the root chakra.
In addition to helping to keep you grounded, obsidian can also help to keep you healthy, both physically and spiritually.
Here are some of the ways you can benefit from wearing obsidian in your daily life.
1. Obsidian Physical Healing Properties
Obsidian is a very protective stone that can keep your entire body healthy.
If you are into detoxification, obsidian is definitely the stone for you. Some of the ways obsidian is said to help you is:
- Circulation – Obsidian is a great tool to help keep your circulation flowing properly. Wearing obsidian can help put things right again if you feel a bit off.
- Digestive Issues – If you suffer from digestive issues, obsidian can help. In fact, it is really good for anyone who has gall bladder issues.
- Deep Tissue Healing – Obsidian is often used to heal deep tissue injuries. This will allow your body to rejuvenate, and you will return to your former vigor.
2. Obsidian Mental and Emotional Healing Properties
Obsidian, which we have already learned is a protective stone, can greatly help keep you safe regarding negative energy and emotions.
It can work on any type of negative energy, whether this energy is coming from yourself or from outside forces.
Obsidian will keep your psyche protected no matter what you are going through or what is being thrown at you.
This is a stone that will make you feel safe simply by wearing it in a piece of jewelry.
Some people may worry that black obsidian could be negative, but it is the opposite. Always keep in mind that we all need balance.
There is no light without dark. There is no day without night.
This is a stone that seeks out the truth, so you never have to worry about falsehoods.
It can help you to understand the truth about yourself and to know and understand your good and bad traits (which we all have).
Obsidian can be your best friend when you need the courage to delve into the unknown.
It will help you to grow as a person and give you the courage you need to continue along your path through life.
3. Obsidian Metaphysical Healing Properties
There are three main metaphysical healing properties surrounding obsidian: clearing the root chakra, eliminating blockages in the solar plexus chakra, and allowing the user to see into other realms.
The root chakra is one of the most important chakras, and it is important that it remains grounded at all times.
When this seems impossible, obsidian can help because its main power is strengthening the root chakra.
When there is a blockage in the root chakra, we tend to have feelings of instability and are always on the lookout for danger.
Obsidian can lend its healing energy to this chakra so that you can live without the fear of a psychic attack.
Healers and sages all over the world have used obsidian for centuries to help them link to the third eye chakra.
They believe that obsidian has mirror-like qualities that can help them see into other realms, guiding them to a higher level of consciousness.
Black obsidian can also help the solar plexus chakra, known as the third chakra of the body.
This chakra is associated with self-esteem and self-worth, and when this chakra is blocked, one can feel very lost.
The black obsidian will act as a mirror that one can look into in order to remove that blockage.
This will help to eliminate your fears and keep you on the right track.
How to Use Black Obsidian
There are a couple of ways that you can use obsidian: wear it as a protective stone and use it in your home for grounding.
No matter if you wear it, keep it in your pocket, or place it on your altar, obsidian is one of the most important crystals to have in your crystal stash.
Obsidian is a must-have in your life if you are interested in doing shadow work, protection, truth, and healing.
Let's take a look at some of the ways you can use obsidian for your own benefit.
1. At Home and In the Office
Having at least one piece of obsidian in your home is a good idea. This will balance the home and protect it from negativity and evil.
This volcanic stone is the center of all of the elements, earth, fire, water, and air, and it is filled with magical powers.
This is why it is so often used as a grounding stone. If you want to protect your home and your office space, try placing a piece of obsidian near the doorway.
If you do this, you will ensure that anyone who comes through the door will leave their negativity and deceit at the door and not bring it into your space.
They will be pure of heart and thought when they enter your space.
You can also use obsidian at home and at work to practice shadow work subconsciously.
This stone's grounding properties will help you stay the course and remain committed to yourself and all you do.
It will prevent you from becoming the one thing that you truly hate, which is to be a “yes person.”
You can use any type of obsidian for this purpose. Most people do tend to prefer black because of its many qualities.
2. Wearing Obsidian Jewelry
One of the best ways to reap all of the benefits of obsidian is to wear it as a piece of jewelry.
When this healing stone comes into contact with the skin, it sends its vibrations right into your body, mind, and soul.
It doesn't matter which type of obsidian you are wearing. The important thing is to simply make sure that you are wearing this stone at all times in order to really be able to harness its powers.
You can also pair obsidian with other crystals to increase its power and reap the benefits of those stones.
For instance, hematite is a very protective stone that has grounding properties. It can help to ward off negative vibrations and gives the wearer more confidence.
Pairing hematite with obsidian is a great way to feel happy, balanced, and grounded.
Another great combination is obsidian with lapis lazuli. Lapis lazuli is a powerful blue stone that is used for many purposes.
It can help keep your mind sharp and focused, allow you to reflect internally, and give you the compassion you need to connect with others.
Other stones that work well with obsidian include labradorite, onyx, and black tourmaline.
In fact, the black tourmaline has intense powers of protection and can ward off any negative energies and vibrations.
How to Care for Your Obsidian Crystal
Caring for obsidian crystals is relatively simple and doesn't require much work or any special tools.
Because it is made from natural glass, it is easy to keep clean. It isn't porous like other crystals so it won't be damaged by water.
You can even use a little bit of soap to clean your obsidian crystals. Just be sure to wash away any soap residue carefully.
After all, you don't want anything to take away from the natural beauty of this stone, so you won't want to see soapy streaks on your crystals.
To dry the stone, simply use a soft, dry cloth. You can also let it sit out in the sunlight, and it isn't going to fade in the least.
How to Cleanse and Charge Your Obsidian Stone
Cleansing your obsidian stone is pretty much the same as cleaning it.
You will need to use water, and if at all possible, use moon-charged water.
How do you charge water with the powers of the moon?
Simply fill a container with water from your tap (or, even better, from a natural source such as a spring, lake, stream, etc.).
Place the container outdoors under the moonlight, and leave it there for several hours.
Once you have your moon water, place the obsidian crystal into the container. Allow it to sit, undisturbed, for several hours.
This will remove any negative energies that may have contaminated the stone (maybe you have just purchased it, and many other hands have touched it, so you need to remove their energy).
Once you have cleansed the stone, you can go ahead and charge it with your own energies.
There are a few ways you can do this, including:
- Charge with Moon Water – Just as you cleanse the stone with moon water, you can also use that same water to charge the stone. The stone should be in the water for at least an hour, preferably outdoors, beneath the moonlight.
- Bury it in the Ground – Dig a little hole, placing the earth from the hole into a small earthenware container. Place the obsidian crystal into the container, and place the container on the ground, covering it with the remaining dirt. Leave the container there for a week or longer.
- Use Sound Frequencies – You can use a singing bowl to cleanse and charge your obsidian crystal. Simply place the crystal inside the bowl, and then ring the bowl to create sound.
- Burn Incense or Herbs – Use sweet grass, sage, cedar, or Palo Santo to charge your crystals. Or, you can use incense such as sandalwood or jasmine.
- Bury Crystals in Salt – Bury your crystals in sea salt or Himalayan salt. Place the stone in a bowl, and cover it with salt. Leave it overnight to charge.
- Breathe on It – Use your own breath to charge your obsidian crystal. Simply breathe o the stone, making sure you have cleared your mind of negative thoughts first.
Obsidian FAQ's
You probably have many more questions about obsidian and how it works.
Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about obsidian crystals.
#1. How Much is Obsidian Worth?
Depending on the size of the piece, obsidian can range in value from $2 to $100 or more.
Unprocessed obsidian sells for anywhere from $5 to $10 per kilogram.
#2. How can You Tell if Obsidian is Real?
Because obsidian is a natural glass, it can break.
If you want to test the stone to see if it is genuine, try to scratch or carve a mark on it with a sharp tool.
#3. Where can You Put Obsidian in Your House?
If you are using obsidian to protect your home, the best place to put it is at the main entrance, near the front of your home.
#4. Can You Sleep with Black Obsidian Near You?
Black obsidian is great for anyone who suffers from insomnia. It can be placed beside your bed or even beneath your pillow.
The stone will absorb negative energies so you can sleep better.
Final Thoughts On Obsidian
Obsidian is the stone for you if you are interested in shadow work or just want protection from negative vibrations.
This stone can help get rid of evil and gives you a feeling of calmness and clarity.
It is a powerful stone that anyone who is interested in crystal work should have in their arsenal.
Alan is the founder of Subconscious Servant. He has a passion for learning about topics such as spirituality and the metaphysical world. The thing he loves to explore most though is manifesting with the law of attraction ✨.