Also Known As
Volcanic glass
Mount St. Helen's glass (treated to turn it dark green or teal green)
Description
Obsidian is a lustrous volcanic glass formed from lava that cooled so quickly it had no time to crystallize. This stone will only be found where volcanic activity has occurred in relatively recent times, for with time obsidian is altered into fine grain rock, or regroups into another stone by taking on moisture and trading elements.
Note: some sources say that the following are also names for varieties of obsidian. However, they seem to be a different type of mineral entirely rather than a type of obsidian, according to mineralogical data. Some of the confusion may have arisen from the fact that these gemmy minerals usually appear in the same volcanic areas as obsidian.
Californite (green from California)
Cyprine (blue from Norway, very rare)
Xanthite (yellow-green from New York)
Wiluite (green from Russia)
Vesuvianite (red, yellow, green, brown, purple from Italian volcano Vesuvius)
Idocrase (Vesuvianite)
Mineral Information
Hardness: 5
Rarity: Some colors are readily available while others are rare. Some blue-green colors are manufactured glass.
Astrological And Related Info
Sign: Sagittarius
Crystal Information
Obsidian is an excellent grounding and protective stone. It provides a shield against negativity and brings clarity to the mind. This stone stimulates growth at all levels. It promotes the qualities of compassion and strength.
