Smooth Obsidian

• Smooth Obsidian Minecraft
• Smooth Obsidian
• 2 1/4 White Oak - Smooth - Obsidian
• Where Is Obsidian Found
• Where To Find Green Obsidian
• Smooth Black Obsidian

Properties of the stone - Obsidian-Silver Sheen is a variety of black Obsidian which has bright silvery inclusions. This stone is formed when volcanic lava cools down very quickly after coming in contact with water. Hardcore Ender Expansion is a mod by chylex which adds a lot of new content to the End dimension. The changes include adding more land to the initial island, making it possible to travel and explore. The Ender Dragon boss is enhanced. As mentioned previously in this article, black obsidian is a dark stone that has shiny portions depending on the angle where the light will hit it. It has a smooth texture if touched on the right spot, and overall you will feel that it is quite rough on other aspects.

Obsidian is a very glossy, shiny, smooth crystal because it is actually volcanic glass formed by lava from a volcanic eruption. Even though it is sometimes called royal agate and glass agate, it isn't actually a type of agate or stone at all. Obsidian doesn't have a crystalline structure that would classify it as a stone or true mineral. This crystal has many uses, though, which are all connected to obsidian meaning.

The dashes with this stick are so smooth It makes me wanna back dash more in my matches. I love the snappy feeling with specials on the sticks end. The metal ball on top feels cool to the touch is a very nice and it adds weight to the stick so it resets to neutral fast.

OBSIDIAN HISTORY

The use of obsidian dates back hundreds of thousands of years to the Stone Age. Early man discovered that obsidian was easy to chip into sharp shapes. They would chip pieces of the volcanic glass into arrowheads, sharp cutting implements and pottery. Obsidian was also one of the first materials to be formed, polished and used as mirrors.

Ancient Mesoamericans used the black glassy crystals as tools and chipped or carved them into decorative shapes. They sharpened obsidian blades and attached them to wooden handles to make very effective weapons. Native Americans traded obsidian beads, figurines and arrowheads. The famous Moai statues on Rapa Nui or Easter Island were made with obsidian. They used small pieces of obsidian for the eyes. The people on Rapa Nui also chipped obsidian into sharp blades.

Used throughout history by alchemists, light workers, shamans and spiritualists, obsidian has long been believed to have strong healing powers. This is especially true in matters of the heart, but not just in the romantic sense. Although, one of obsidian's more mysterious attributes is its ability to reflect a distant lover's face.

John Dee, an Elizabethan astrologer, magician and mathematician, used an obsidian Aztec cult mirror to do research on the occult. John Dee had the mirror back in the late 1500's to early 1600's. It is currently in the British Museum.

Famous archaeologist Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon unearthed an obsidian and gold necklace known as The Necklace of Renisenib from the Nile Valley in 1910. The necklace, believed to be from around 1810 to 1700 BC, is currently at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.

We don't know what it was called back in the Stone Age, but they began calling the volcanic glass obsidian in Ancient Rome. It was named after a Roman discoverer known as Obsius who discovered a stone that is similar to obsidian.

Obsidian is predominately glossy black, but it also forms in various colors and with streaks, banding and even fine lines that resemble a web. Spider web obsidian, for example, has an intricate pattern of fine lines that resemble a web. There is also a rare type of obsidian that is colorless. Obsidian color comes from its magnesium and iron content. Mahogany obsidian has deep red-mahogany or brown bands. Rainbow obsidian has a green, gold, blue, silver or violet-purple iridescence. The various colors are caused by augitic pyroxene in the volcanic glass. Sheen obsidian has a silver or gold sheen that is called aventurescence. Obsidian known as flame or fire obsidian contains nanometric magnetite crystal layers that reflect brilliant, colorful hues. There is also orange pumpkin obsidian, purple plum obsidian and a light yellowish-green transparent obsidian called macusanite that is mined in Peru. Apache Tears obsidian comes from the American Southwest. It is opaque or translucent brown, orange or red volcanic glass with black streaks.

OBSIDIAN MEANING

Obsidian meaning is deeply rooted in its reflective nature. It reflects deep truths, some of which may be difficult to accept. Obsidian cuts through illusions to reveal the reality of a situation, interactions or intentions of others and yourself. It allows you to see clearly through the facade that many people hide behind.

Smooth Obsidian Minecraft

It has long been used in scrying, because of its reflective surface and ability to reveal ancient truths. Communication with the spirit world has often been enhanced with this glossy black volcanic glass.

Obsidian has a strong grounding energy, keeping you well grounded in this realm and in reality. It is very good for deep meditation because of this attribute. Maintaining a firm hold on reality and within the Earth realm ties into the heart of obsidian meaning.

Fortunately, obsidian is a very supportive and protective crystal. It imparts the strength to face the realities it reflects, in keeping with obsidian meaning, so that you can deal with any issues that you need to work through.

Obsidian is a very protective stone, guarding against negativity from others and yourself.

OBSIDIAN HEALING

SPIRITUAL HEALING

The spiritual healing properties of obsidian crystals are perfect for people who find their faith and spiritual beliefs faltering. Its ability to keep one well-grounded in one's own truths and beliefs will help you stay on your spiritual path.

Obsidian's wonderful protective powers will keep negativity at bay. It will protect you while you regain the strength of your convictions. Those who would attempt to undermine your personal beliefs will be thwarted when you use obsidian for spiritual healing.

Obsidian's meaning in Divination varies, depending on the type. Black obsidian meaning in Divination states: You have a great deal of power you can use to improve a situation or relationship if you are not afraid to change the status quo and maybe tread on a few toes.

Obsidian attracts certain Angels to those who are born during a particular time of year. Following is a list of Guardian Angels who are attracted to obsidian and the birthdates of the people to whom they are attracted:

• Brown obsidian attracts the Guardian Angel Mehiel to people who are born from February 5 to 9, Damabiah for people born between February 10 and 14 or Rehael for people who were born between October 4 and 8.
• Black obsidian attracts the Guardian Angel Haiaiel or Hajael to people born from March 11 to 15, Haziel to people born between May 1 and 5, Hahaiah or Hahajah to people born from May 16 to 20, Vasiariah to people born between August 29 and September 2 or Sealiah to people born from November 3 to 7.
• Silver sheen obsidian attracts the Guardian Angel Mebahel to people born from May 26 to 31.

Black volcanic glass crystals impart water energy when used in Feng Shui. They support quiet strength and stillness within the household when placed in the North within a room or home. A black obsidian mirror placed opposite a lighter mirror provides a wonderful balance of active and calm energies that works its way all through the living space.

How to use obsidian for spiritual healing:

• Hold an obsidian mala or prayer beads during prayer or while reciting a mantra.
• Wear obsidian jewelry, like a necklace, bracelet or earrings, to keep the strengthening, truth-revealing benefits with you throughout the day.
• Carry obsidian tumble stones or a worry stone with you to hold during difficult moments.
• Keep an obsidian figurine or bowl of tumble stones on your desk at work or on a table near where you sit at home.

PHYSICAL HEALING

Physical healing properties of obsidian are connected to circulatory system health, digestive health, wound healing and detoxification. It is believed to speed healing of sprains, bruises and sores. Obsidian can also help relieve pain, relax tense muscles and aid in the release of tension from excess stress.

Obsidian healing properties assist with recovery from substance addiction and excessive behaviors. It can strengthen your will to help you give up smoking, excessive drinking, drug dependency and overeating. Obsidian also aids in detoxification by improving blood circulation.

How to use obsidian for physical healing:

• Wear volcanic glass crystal bracelets to keep the healing energies near the lower part of the body.
• Carry obsidian tumble stones or worry stones with you. Hold them or rub them between finger and thumb when you feel your strength wavering when trying to overcome addiction.
• Place an obsidian crystal on an injury or as close to it as possible to speed healing or relieve pain.
• Lie down and place an obsidian crystal on your forehead to aid in the release of tension.

EMOTIONAL HEALING

Obsidian emotional healing properties assist with recovery from the realization of deep truths that could be quite upsetting. It imparts the strength needed to deal with harsh truths about yourself and others. Obsidian also protects you from extreme negativity, both from yourself and from others.

This volcanic glass crystal is wonderful for recovering from or preventing depression and unhealthy behavior caused by physical and emotional abuse. It protects and comforts you while you contemplate the harsh truths of an abusive situation. These glossy black crystals give you the clarity needed to see a situation for what it is and the strength to recover. This is especially helpful when the abuse has caused or exacerbated an unhealthy lifestyle that only encourages additional harsh treatment from others and yourself.

How to use obsidian for emotional healing:

• Wear a bracelet, necklace and earrings adorned with obsidian.
• Carry an obsidian gemstone in your purse or pocket. If you begin to experience upsetting thoughts or feelings, hold the gemstone in your hand for a few moments for strength.
• Place a bowl of obsidian tumble stones or figurine on your desk at work or near where you sit at home.
• Put an obsidian crystal in your car for protection against negativity.

OBSIDIAN MEDITATION

Using obsidian while meditating will protect you from negativity and keep you well grounded. This black volcanic glass crystal also clears negativity from your mind and aura. If you have had a stressful day and need to release negativity that has built up throughout the day, obsidian will help.

Obsidian is ideal for deep meditation and exploration of hidden truths that may extend all the way back to past lives. This black volcanic glass will enhance your meditative state of mind, bringing you into its dark glossy depths. It is good for spiritual communication and can help you connect with your spirit guide. Obsidian may awaken or enhance clairvoyance during quiet meditation.

Use black obsidian balls in meditation with extreme caution. This is truly a very powerful crystal that will reveal deeply buried truths which could be quite upsetting. Smaller black obsidian pieces should be used by beginners. Wait until you have had experience with smaller, less powerful obsidian crystals and have dealt with and recovered from hidden truths that they revealed before you use a black obsidian ball for meditation. If you do use an obsidian ball, have selenite and rose quartz on hand in case you are overwhelmed with fear, self-disgust and despair. Cover the ball right away with a cloth when this occurs. Cleanse your aura with the selenite and rose quartz so you can regain a calm state of mind. Use the ball sparingly, only every few months, and have a 6' clear quartz wand or generator quartz on hand to provide balance and make the obsidian ball meditation less upsetting.

Snowflake obsidian is a gentler type of obsidian. It may be better for people who have been deeply traumatized or are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

How to use obsidian in meditation:

• Hold a small piece of obsidian in your hands while you reach a quiet, meditative state.
• Hold or finger an obsidian mala while meditating.
• Set an obsidian figurine, crystal or gemstone on an altar or table at eye level. Focus on it while meditating.

OBSIDIAN BIRTHSTONE

Obsidian is a modern birthstone of people born in November.

OBSIDIAN ZODIAC SIGN

Mahogany obsidian is one of the modern zodiac gemstones for people born under the sign of Libra. People born under this sign celebrate their birthday between September 23 and October 22. Black and snowflake obsidian are modern birthstones for people born under the sign of Sagittarius. These people celebrate their birthdays between November 22 and December 21. Blue obsidian is a modern birthstone for people born under the sign of Aquarius. They celebrate their birthdays between January 20 and February 18.

OBSIDIAN CHAKRA

Obsidian resonates with the base or root chakra and the earthstar chakra. It also may activate the Third Eye. Use obsidian to clear negative energies from these chakras and strengthen your connection within this earthly realm. The earthstar chakra isn't one of the main chakras but it is an important one. It is located just below and between your feet. If you tend to feel spacy and disconnected, especially after meditation, use obsidian to ground yourself.

How to use obsidian for your chakras:

• Sit on the floor with your legs outstretched. Hold an obsidian crystal between and just below your feet for a few minutes to clear and activate your earthstar chakra.
• Stand with your feet flat on the floor a comfortable distance apart. Place the obsidian on the floor between your feet to activate your earthstar chakra.
• Lie down and place an obsidian stone on the root chakra, which is located at the pubic bone.
• Lie down and place an obsidian crystal over your Third Eye to try to activate it. This may or may not work. It could help enhance or awaken clairvoyance or another natural extrasensory gift.

Cleanse your obsidian crystals after every use. They absorb negativity constantly, especially if you are utilizing their healing properties to work through troubles. Rinse them under tepid water then dry them with a soft, clean cloth.

Home » Rocks » Igneous Rocks » Obsidian

Smooth Obsidian

Obsidian: The specimen shown above is about two inches (five centimeters) across. The curved semi-concentric ridges are breakage marks associated with obsidian's conchoidal fracture. The rock has very sharp edges.

What is Obsidian?

Obsidian is an igneous rock that forms when molten rock material cools so rapidly that atoms are unable to arrange themselves into a crystalline structure. It is an amorphous material known as a 'mineraloid.' The result is a volcanic glass with a smooth uniform texture that breaks with a conchoidal fracture (see photo).

Where Does Obsidian Form?

Obsidian is usually an extrusive rock - one that solidifies above Earth's surface. However, it can form in a variety of cooling environments:

• along the edges of a lava flow (extrusive)
• along the edges of a volcanic dome (extrusive)
• around the edges of a sill or a dike (intrusive)
• where lava contacts water (extrusive)
• where lava cools while airborne (extrusive)

Types of Obsidian: The specimens shown above are from Glass Butte rockhounding site in central Oregon. It shows the diversity of obsidian types that can be found in a small geographic area. Clockwise from upper left are: double flow obsidian, rainbow obsidian, black obsidian, pumpkin obsidian, mahogany obsidian, gold sheen obsidian, and the piece in the center is gold sheen. The nice photo above is from the Glass Butte Rockhounding Site page on the Deschutes National Forest website.

Mahogany obsidian: A tumble-polished specimen of 'mahogany obsidian.' Image copyright iStockphoto / Arpad Benedek.

What Color is Obsidian?

Black is the most common color of obsidian. However, it can also be brown, tan, or green. Rarely, obsidian can be blue, red, orange, or yellow. The colors are thought to be caused mainly by trace elements or inclusions.

2 1/4 White Oak - Smooth - Obsidian

Occasionally two colors of obsidian will be swirled together in a single specimen. The most common color combination is black and brown obsidian swirled together - that's called 'mahogany obsidian' (see photo).

As a 'glass,' obsidian is chemically unstable. With the passage of time, some obsidian begins to crystallize. This process does not happen at a uniform rate throughout the rock. Instead it begins at various locations within the rock. At these locations, the crystallization process forms radial clusters of white or gray cristobalite crystals within the obsidian. When cut and polished, these specimens are referred to as 'snowflake obsidian' (see photos).

Rarely, obsidian has an iridescent or metallic 'sheen' caused by light reflecting from minute inclusions of mineral crystals, rock debris, or gas. These colored specimens are known as 'rainbow obsidian,' 'golden obsidian,' or 'silver obsidian,' depending upon the color of the sheen or iridescence. These specimens are very desirable for the manufacture of jewelry.

Snowflake obsidian: A tumble-polished specimen of 'snowflake obsidian.' Image copyright iStockphoto / Martin Novak.

What is the Composition of Obsidian?

Most obsidians have a composition similar to rhyolite and granite. Granites and rhyolites can form from the same magma as obsidian and are often geographically associated with the obsidian.

Rarely, volcanic glasses are found with a composition similar to basalt and gabbro. These glassy rocks are named 'tachylyte.'

Are There Other Glassy Igneous Rocks?

Pumice, scoria, and tachylyte are other volcanic glasses formed by rapid cooling. Pumice and scoria differ from obsidian by having abundant vesicles - cavities in the rock produced when gas bubbles were trapped in a solidifying melt. Tachylyte differs in composition - it has a composition similar to basalt and gabbro.

Obsidian outcrop: Obsidian along the edge of a lava flow in central Oregon. Image copyright iStockphoto / Phil Augustavo.

Obsidian knife blade: A knife blade manufactured from mahogany obsidian. The craftsman who made this blade had a very high skill level and was able to produce a serrated edge. Image copyright iStockphoto / Al Braunworth.

Occurrence of Obsidian

Obsidian is found in many locations worldwide. It is confined to areas of geologically recent volcanic activity. Obsidian older than a few million years is rare because the glassy rock is rapidly destroyed or altered by weathering, heat, or other processes.

Significant deposits of obsidian are found in Argentina, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Russia, United States, and many other locations.

In the United States it is not found east of the Mississippi River, as there is no geologically recent volcanic activity there. In the western US it is found at many locations in Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. Most obsidian used in the jewelry trade is produced in the United States.

Obsidian spear point: A spear point fashioned from opaque black obsidian. Image copyright iStockphoto / Charles Butzin.

Rock & Mineral Kits: Get a rock, mineral, or fossil kit to learn more about Earth materials. The best way to learn about rocks is to have specimens available for testing and examination.

Uses of Obsidian as a Cutting Tool

The conchoidal fracture of obsidian causes it to break into pieces with curved surfaces. This type of fracturing can produce rock fragments with very sharp edges. These sharp fragments may have prompted the first use of obsidian by people.

The first use of obsidian by people probably occurred when a sharp piece of obsidian was used as a cutting tool. People then discovered how to skillfully break the obsidian to produce cutting tools in a variety of shapes. Obsidian was used to make knives, arrowheads, spear points, scrapers, and many other weapons and tools.

Once these discoveries were made, obsidian quickly became the raw material of preference for producing almost any sharp object. The easy-to-recognize rock became one of the first targets of organized 'mining.' It is probably a safe bet that all natural obsidian outcrops that are known today were discovered and utilized by ancient people.

Apache tears: 'Apache Tears' is a name used for small obsidian nodules of about one inch or less that can be found in volcanic areas of the southwestern United States. Their name comes from a Native American legend. During a battle between Apaches and the U.S. Cavalry in 1870, the outnumbered Apaches, facing defeat, rode their horses over a cliff rather than allow themselves to be killed by their enemy. Upon hearing the story of the battle, the tears of their family members turned to stone when they hit the ground. Those stones are now found as the black obsidian nodules. People who do rock tumbling often polish Apache Tears. They are difficult to polish because the obsidian chips and bruises easily. Success occurs when they are cushioned during the tumbling with smaller pieces of rough or small ceramic media.

Stone Age Manufacturing and Trade

The manufacture of obsidian tools by humans dates back to the Stone Age. At some locations, tons of obsidian flakes reveal the presence of ancient 'factories.' Some of these sites have enough waste debris to suggest that many people labored there for decades producing a variety of obsidian objects. Making arrowheads, spear points, knife blades, and scrapers from obsidian, chert, or flint might have been the world's first 'manufacturing industry.'

Where Is Obsidian Found

Obsidian was so valued for these uses that ancient people mined, transported, and traded obsidian and obsidian objects over distances of up to a thousand miles. Archaeologists have been able to document the geography of this trade by matching the characteristics of obsidian in outcrops with the characteristics of obsidian in cutting tools. A study done by the Idaho National Laboratory used composition studies by X-ray fluorescence to identify the source outcrops of obsidian artifacts and map their use across the western United States.

Obsidian in Modern Surgery

Where To Find Green Obsidian

Although using a rock as a cutting tool might sound like 'stone age equipment,' obsidian continues to play an important role in modern surgery. Obsidian can be used to produce a cutting edge that is thinner and sharper than the best surgical steel. Today, thin blades of obsidian are placed in surgical scalpels used for some of the most precise surgery. In controlled studies, the performance of obsidian blades was equal to or superior to the performance of surgical steel.

Obsidian jewelry: Mahogany obsidian and snowflake obsidian cabochons set in sterling silver pendants.

Obsidian for opal triplets: A thin piece of obsidian is often used as a 'backing' material for opal doublets and triplets. The black obsidian adds stability to the opal and provides a dark background color that contrasts with the opal's fire.

Uses of Obsidian in Jewelry

Obsidian is a popular gemstone. It is often cut into beads and cabochons or used to manufacture tumbled stones. Obsidian is sometimes faceted and polished into highly reflective beads. Some transparent specimens are faceted to produce interesting gems.

The use of obsidian in jewelry can be limited by its durability. It has a hardness of about 5.5 which makes it easy to scratch. It also lacks toughness and is easily broken or chipped upon impact. These durability concerns make obsidian an inappropriate stone for rings and bracelets. It is best suited for use in low-impact pieces such as earrings, brooches, and pendants.

Obsidian is also used in making opal doublets and opal triplets. Thin slices or chips of opal are glued to a thin slice of obsidian to make a composite stone. The black obsidian provides an inexpensive and color-contrasting background that makes opal's colorful fire much more obvious. It also adds mass and stability to the opal that facilitates cutting it into a gem.

Other Uses of Obsidian

Freshly broken pieces of obsidian have a very high luster. Ancient people noticed that they could see a reflection in obsidian and used it as a mirror. Later, pieces of obsidian were ground flat and highly polished to improve their reflective abilities.

Obsidian's hardness of 5.5 makes it relatively easy to carve. Artists have used obsidian to make masks, small sculptures, and figurines for thousands of years.

Smooth Black Obsidian