Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein, German-born theoretical physicist
Feeling under stress? Suffering from pain or a wounded spirit?
Then get yourself some Obsidian!
Tumbled black Obsidian stones, approximately 1″ in size, $2 each. Available at https://www.el9shop.com/product/black-obsidian-tumbled-stone/
Obsidian forms when molten lava cools quickly into glass before crystallization can take place.
Known as a “mineraloid,” Obsidian typically appears in jet black. Other colors include dark brown, gray, or gray-green, depending on which trace elements occur with it.
Obsidian is found throughout the world in areas of geologically recent volcanic activity. Thus, no specimens are found east of the U.S. Mississippi River.
Sometimes called a “psychic vacuum cleaner,” Obsidian clears emotional debris from the past while protecting you from fear, anger, and anxiety.
Obsidian’s use dates back to the Old Stone Age, when its ability to be broken into curved surfaces with sharp edges made it ideal for cutting weapons, including arrowheads and knives. In the Middle East, it was used for circumcision; ancient Melanesians used it for tattooing the skin; people on Easter Island used it for food preparation and cultivation. They also placed Obsidian as the pupils in the eyes of their statues. Early Mesoamericans polished Obsidian into mirrors.
Obsidian today is carved into cabochons, tumbled stones, beads, or jewelry, though its uses are limited because it’s relatively soft (5.5 on the 1-10 Mohs scale of hardness). It’s also used in surgical scalpels.
The name Obsidian comes from an erroneous transcription of the Latin word meaning “the stone of Obsius,” for the Roman who discovered it. While it’s not a historical, traditional, or natural birthstone, Obsidian is the zodiac stone for Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19).
On the physical plane, Obsidian is thought to ease muscle tension, improve circulation, and speed the healing of wounds. It’s also a digestive aid and is used to support efforts to battle dependencies.
Obsidian vibrates to the Base, or Root, Chakra, the foundation of the body’s physical and spiritual energy. Known as the stone of truth, Obsidian cuts through lies and illusions. It’s a powerful stone and should be used with care, as the truth it reveals can be overwhelming.
Feng Shui practitioners suggest placing Obsidian near electronics to absorb electromagnetic radiation, near the front door of your home (to guard against unwanted energy), and in the north (water energy) area of a home to clear obstacles in one’s career or life path.
Note: The claims here aren’t meant to take the place of medical advice. They’re based on folklore and other sources, and likely “work” best if one’s belief is strong enough!
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
Oooo…Debbie, being that everything I wear is black, this gemstone has always been one of my faves!
“Sometimes called a “psychic vacuum cleaner,” Obsidian clears emotional debris from the past while protecting you from fear, anger, and anxiety. Known as the stone of truth, Obsidian cuts through lies and illusions.”
Yes, and I think this would be the perfect gemstone during this time in our history, don’t you? I think we should all carry one in our pockets. LOL!
As always, you forever teach me something about gemstones I never knew. And thank you for that!
Have a splendid Sunday, my friend! X
P.S. I really love that quote you shared about nature. I agree!
Ron, you crack me up with suggesting Obsidian is the perfect stone for this time in our history! Right you are, my friend! Perhaps we should mandate that ALL politicians and journalists keep a stone on their person at all times!!
I’m glad you found this post of interest. I like the black stones, too — Obsidian, Black Jasper, Spinel, Tourmaline, and so forth. They lend an air of magic and mystery, and they “go” with everything — even jeans!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend and don’t work too hard. xo
This is a beautiful stone. I was especially surprised to read that it’s been used as mirrors and surgical scalpels. If it’s useful for battling dependencies (and by extension, I suppose, addictions) maybe I should put one of the stones next to the freezer where I keep the ice cream!
ps: or carry a stone in my pocket to get me past the ice cream freezer at the store without buying any!
My grandad used to eat a dish of ice cream every night before bed! I don’t know how he did it. Perhaps a small bowl now and then isn’t as bad as the experts would have us believe?!
Oh, phooey. My grandparents always had ice cream before bed, too, and my mother had a dishful every night while watching tv. Just because someone says they’re an expert doesn’t mean they are — I’ll trust my mother any time. Despite the ice cream, she got to 93, and that would be good enough for me. The trick, of course, is sticking with a dishful, and not a pint every night!
Thanks for that helpful tidbit, Linda. I think I’ll trust your mother, too. Tis wicked hot, and only ice cream will hit the spot!!
Have you ever tried the frozen treats called Outshine bars? They’re like popsicles, but have less sugar (60 calories each) and are made with fruit juice. They’re delicious, and even more cooling than ice cream!
I’ve seen them in the store but never tried them. Next time I go shopping, I’ll check them out — thanks!
You know, I was surprised that it was used for surgical scalpels, too, especially since it’s not a particularly hard stone. Perhaps there are different types of scalpels, depending on how sturdy the blade needs to be?
As for the ice cream, well, I think most of us (even those who don’t usually indulge) are eating more of that than normal. I’ll bet it’s a combination of this beastly heat and the anxieties over COVID. We just might need some comfort food right now — and meatloaf is far too heavy, ha!
I really liked this post. I had no idea Obsidian was used for scalpels. I also liked Linda’s idea of keeping a few around to avoid the ice cream in the freezer. There is a Magnum bar with my name on it calling to me.
HaHa! Since Linda told me her mother lived to 93 and ate ice cream every night before bed, I think that Magnum bar might just be a really good thing! Just remind yourself calcium is good for the bones — and if the taste buds are happy, we’re happy!
So true. Thanks, Debbie.
Like everyone else, I’m fascinated to learn that obsidian was used for scalpels! Also that the Easter Islanders used it in their statues – I must take a look at that on google. Black is such a great colour for jewellery too – goes with anything!
You can find out more about that use of Obsidian in the Easter Island statues here (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-secrets-of-easter-island-59989046/). How cool is that, giving them “eyes” rather than just leaving open sockets?!? Ooh, you’re right, black does accessorize everything!
I don’t know where your flowers went, but I liked them! They were very pretty. (Oh — it just occurred to me. This isn’t Wednesday!)