Obsidian crystals are dark gems revered for their grounding powers. The crystal is found all over the world, with obsidian objects discovered that date back hundreds of thousands of years.
Though practical at one point, obsidian has become one of the most protective and grounding stones on earth. The grounding powers allow us to stay in touch with our surroundings without letting anxiety, depression, and insecurity overtake us.
The volcanic rock is unique to other igneous stones due to its composition, benefits, and color combos. Anyone who uses obsidian is able to benefit from the powers that the ward offers.
What is Obsidian?
Obsidian is glass that forms from volcanic lava. Its creation requires felsic lava to cool rapidly and harden.
Throughout history, it was a common stone for tools in areas near volcanos because of its strength, despite its brittle nature. Later on, it was cut into large, flat sheets and used as glass.
Today, the dark crystal is a powerful grounding stone. It wards off negative energy by absorbing it and expecting an honest environment.
Obsidian Meaning
Obsidian represents power, honesty, and protection. It is down-to-earth and reliable, making it a great stone to boost security.
Despite the stone being used for around a million years, it was not mentioned until the early AD. That’s the era Romans began referencing it.
The first time the word obsidian was recorded in history was in Natural History by Pliny the Elder. The word obsidian or lapis obsidian was mentioned.
The book said that the stone was discovered in Ethiopia by an explorer by the name of Obsidius. This explains where the word obsidian comes from.
How is Obsidian Formed?
Obsidian crystals form at times viscous lava cools at an accelerated rate. It is a type of extrusive igneous rock because it forms from lava.
What makes it different is the other minerals that mix with the lava as it cools. Silica is the primary mineral in obsidian, but it pairs with sodium, aluminum, and other elements.
Types of Obsidian
Most obsidian on the market is black, but that’s not the only kind of obsidian. Because of this, it may be difficult to spot.
Black Obsidian
Black obsidian is the most common and most powerful. It is one of the deepest grounding crystals on earth and has an appearance similar to onyx, tourmaline, and ferberite.
Mahogany Obsidian
Mahogany obsidian’s primary color is reddish orange. It is a passionate and fiery stone that offers a heightened meaning to black versions. The red color comes from iron that mixes with the silica.
Rainbow Obsidian
Rainbow obsidian is iridescent yet has a black base. The gem adds a healing aspect to the basic dark version and forms from specs of magnetite that refracts light from the surface.
Snowflake Obsidian
Snowflake obsidian adds a sense of purity to the black gemstone. The white specks come from cristobalite and don’t lose their color as it heats and cools.
Properties of Obsidian
| Classification | Volcanic glass |
| Formula | SiO2 |
| Color | Dark (usually black) |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Optical Properties | Isotropic |
| Formation | Rapid cooling of lava |
| Refractive Index | 1.48 to 1.51 |
| Mohs Hardness | 5 to 5.5 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.35 to 2.65 |
Benefits of Obsidian in Your Life
- Ground – obsidian is one of the best stones for grounding and keeping you down-to-earth.
- Balance – if you feel flighty or unsure, the stone helps to balance your life.
- Ward Off Negative Energy – the black crystal does a good job of warding off energy that means to harm you.
- Truth and Justice – honesty is a key component of obsidian, and it is recommended for those who seek honesty as well as those who struggle with it.
Healing Properties of Obsidian
Physical
The black gem is a detoxing stone that improves circulation. It has power over all seven chakras, keeping your physical balance. It is of particular use for digestion and deep tissue healing.
Emotional
Obsidian helps with emotional healing by helping you see the truth. Honesty and truth-seeking powers allow you to see yourself for what you are and give you a new lens to see others.
Spiritual
The dark crystal helps all chakra, but for spiritual healing, the root chakra gets the strongest effects. It dissolves blockages and connects other chakras to the root to untether you from negativity and old regrets.
Ways to Use Obsidian
1. Dream and Astral Travel
The deep gem helps you explore the astral realm. Though black obsidian has the power to launch you, rainbow obsidian gives you the best chance. To use the stone, place it under your pillow at night. If your stone is sharp, place it next to the bed instead.
2. Feng Shui
Obsidian is a powerful feng shui crystal. Use it near entryways to make the transition easier and more natural. The grounding nature of the gem helps start your journey off on the right foot.
3. Grounding
Grounding is the primary purpose of obsidian. The black gem has the power to keep your feet on the ground no matter what you’re going through. Those who tend to overthink benefit the most from the grounding powers of the stone.
4. Clean Energy
Obsidian is a natural at cleansing environments. It removes negative energy rather than dispels positive energy. Using the stone over your body does the same thing as it does to the environment.
5. Divination
Divination is a way to connect to the supernatural and find spiritual enlightenment. Tarot cards are a common way to do this, but stones like obsidian increase your chances of success.
Is Obsidian a Birthstone?
No, obsidian is not a birthstone. It does have strong connections to Scorpio and Sagittarius. It grounds Sagittarius and helps Scorpio open up and speak their truth.
How to Care for Obsidian Crystals
To care for obsidian crystals, keep them clean, dry, and charged. If your crystal has sharp edges, don’t let them break, or you risk losing some of the crystal’s power.
How to Clean Obsidian
Run obsidian under water to clean it. Because the stone is not porous, it is easy to clean with water. It’s best to let it dry before storing it away from air circulation, but it is one of the safest stones to clean with water.
How to Charge Obsidian
To charge the dark stone, let it out in the moonlight. Smudging with sage is also acceptable and is a good way to charge it during the day.
Can Obsidian Be in the Sun?
Obsidian crystals should not be in the sun for long, but a quick trip to dry does not harm the stone. It won’t fade in color unless exposed for an extended period.
Is Obsidian Expensive?
Obsidian is expensive at times. There are cheap options for less-than-perfect, small gems. But it is on the high end of crystal prices.
Where to Put Obsidian Crystals in Your Home
- On the hearth
- Under pillow
- On nightstand
- In entryway
- On desk
Are Obsidian Crystals Good for Sleep?
Yes, obsidian crystals are good for sleep. The grounding stone helps you connect to what matters and remember that the small negative things do not matter. Focusing on the foundation of your life and the small positive things is one of the best ways to get a good night’s sleep.
Bad Effects of Obsidian
- Anxiety – there are reports of anxiety at the stone’s presence that goes away if the stone is removed.
- Acute depression – temporary depression is possible if the stone is not cleansed.
- Unexplained fear – the deep blackness of the stone and call for transparency makes some uneasy.
- Nightmares from deep sleep – along with the REM sleep obsidian grants, some people report nightmares they don’t get if they never reach that level.
What Chakra Do Obsidian Crystals Help?
As a grounding stone, obsidian helps boost root chakra. The root chakra is the first chakra and helps ground you. It is also the earth chakra that helps keep you stable and secure, feeling like yourself.
What Other Crystals Work Well with Obsidian?
Light and airy stones like rose quartz and amethyst go well with obsidian. Selenite and citrine are also good options.
The darkness of the stone is too heavy for some, and that’s to be expected. To balance out obsidian, it helps to have a stone that represents purity, compassion, or enlightenment.