Its first description is found in the Treatise on Stones. It was written by Theophrastus, a naturalist from Dr. Greece, who lived in the IV century BC. e. So what is obsidian? The scientist did not give a name to the mineral, but he described in detail its properties, and also attributed it to combustible materials - it is interesting that the stone bubbles and swells when heated.
Obsidian also appears in fire. Its other name is volcanic glass (volcanic, because it is solidified lava; glass, because it has a reflective ability, a characteristic luster). If you step on a broken mineral, the sensations will be about the same as while walking on simple fragments.
Education
We continue to find out what obsidian is. Scientists say that oxygen and molten magma are needed for its formation. Escaping from the volcano and quickly flowing down its slopes, the lava is enriched with gas, after which it solidifies. This is how obsidian is born.
Place of Birth
So what is obsidian? Being a volcanic mineral, it is concentrated in seismically active zones. Among them: Mexico, Ecuador, Japan. In the latter country, the main deposits are concentrated. Kenya, Iceland, Italy, New Zealand and Peru are also rich in obsidian.
The most valuable samples are brought from the USA. There, mining is carried out in Idaho, Arizona, California, Nevada and other states in the river basin. Mississippi. Interestingly, the beauty of this volcanic American glass lies in its absolute transparency.
Various types of obsidian are also mined in Russia. There is volcanic glass in Kamchatka and Karelia. On the peninsula, its deposits are concentrated directly on the Sredinny Ridge.
In this place, in the western part of the mountains, the Itkovemskaya deposit is being developed. Mining is also carried out near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at the Nachikinskoye field. The supplier of this mineral is also the North Caucasus. There are small deposits in the Trans-Baikal Territory and the Khabarovsk Region.
Physical Properties
Volcanic glass according to the chemical formula is silicon oxide (SiO 2). Sometimes oxides of alkaline earth and fir-tree metals are mixed with it. The mineral with them becomes brown, reddish, greenish. A huge rarity - snow obsidian stone (magical and medicinal properties it will be given later in the article).
It contains white or gray crystals of cristabollite. As a result, the stone becomes spotty. Sometimes it has more milky tones than the main dark shades. Hence the name - snow obsidian.
Although black is considered the standard color of this breed. This is a characteristic feature of the main amount of these minerals. At the same time, black, which has long attracted people to itself) can be with blue, red, emerald lines, striped.
They are visible only if there is a light source that is directed at the mineral, as well as a good polishing of the sample. And due to the ability to transform in artificial and natural rays, this breed is also called rainbow.
Obsidian is also distinguished by a conchoidal fracture. The ability to split with the appearance of sharp edges was the reason for the practical use of the mineral. Today in museums there are tools made of this glass, which are 9,000 years old.
Such devices are simple fragments of obsidian, only modified, sharpened additionally by a person. Ancestors “conjured” over the breed in order to cut skin, meat, and remove skins from animals with it.
The stone was useful even for sharpening wooden spears. The hardness of this glass is about 6 points. This is quite enough to make rods.
Application
The inhabitants of the Paleolithic did not limit themselves to rock shards. They began to be attached directly to the handles. Thus, axes were obtained. Then pieces of the mineral were used as tips for spears and arrows.
Our ancestors carved ritual figurines and figurines from frozen lava. Obsidian was also used for jewelry - a stone with properties suitable for anyone, the methods of using which were described by the Egyptians. They believed that the mineral can preserve aromatic oils in itself, while their properties will be preserved much longer. Hence, the ether vessels were made from this glass.
Crafts, dishes, jewelry from the mineral are still being made. Although in modern times the rock is also used in construction, for example, for swelling some types of cement. Among the finishing materials, obsidian is also found.
The builders were able to make liquid volcanic glass, which is applied to the floor, walls, and then hardens. This is very convenient, because there is no need to seal the joints with sealant, you can decorate curved surfaces.
Healing properties
IN traditional medicine The East associates the stone with the sacral chakra, which is responsible for passion, sexual expression, and creativity. But products from it (for example, a ring with obsidian) are not recommended to be worn constantly by lithotherapists, since this can harm the kidneys. Jewelry with lava should be worn only for colds and other diseases that have arisen due to excessive hypothermia.
Obsidian will accelerate recovery. Ayurveda advises the mineral also for gastrointestinal ailments. Doctors in India prescribe volcanic glass in cases of problems with pressure, as well as in case of malfunctions of the heart.
magical properties
We found out what obsidian is, but what are its unusual properties? He can "download" information from the future, then transferring it to a person. Magicians keep polished balls of this glass with them. With the help of spheres, sorcerers look into the future.
We can say that the generator of ideas is obsidian (stone). Properties, who suits and other information has always been interesting for mankind, but today we are opening the veil of secrecy. Obsidian gives clarity of thought, awakens imagination, the ability to consider the problem in a complex, as well as solve it as efficiently as possible. Therefore, frozen lava is the talisman of scientists, businessmen and other people of the creative sphere and intellectual work.
Amulets and talismans
An excellent amulet is considered a stone in the rosary. It is recommended for men. It is worth noting that the energy of the stronger sex is close to obsidian. The stone protects men from evil deeds and sin. It is believed that if you put a piece of obsidian under your pillow during daytime sleep, you can get information from your forefathers.
Obsidian (stone): properties, zodiac sign
Astrologers believe that the stone has the most beneficial effect on people who were born under the sign of Capricorn. They are most shown the stone, because obsidian can change them for the better, giving determination. It is also the stone of Leo and Sagittarius. The mineral will take these people under guardianship, being a protective amulet in case of illness. In addition, obsidian jewelry can be used by Scorpions, Gemini and Aquarius. But the mineral is completely unsuitable for Virgos and Cancers, since it turns them into irritable and vindictive persons.
There is a Transcaucasian legend that says that once Satan was so angry that small pieces of his nails flew out to the surface of the earth along with lava. The local population has since referred to the stone as "Satan's nail".
And the American legend says that one day the colonists attacked the Apache camp. Local warriors did not want to surrender to the pale-faced invaders, therefore, they rushed into the mouth of the volcano from the cliff. The remaining women mourned their husbands for three nights, their tears after that turned into stunning black stones. Therefore, the local population calls obsidian nothing more than "tears of the Apaches."
The cost of a stone, care and differences from a fake
The purchase of obsidian must be carried out in specialized trusted stores. At the moment, very often they give out a fake for a natural stone, although it has a small price. For example, a pendant in silver with a cabochon, whose diameter is 3 cm, costs about 30 dollars, small minerals will cost even 5 dollars.
Rainbow obsidian is more expensive, especially valuable specimens with interesting divorces, which form a heart shape in the cut. Their price reaches 500 USD. e.
In order not to get into trouble when buying, since colored glass can be sold to you instead of obsidian, you need to know its distinctive features:
- an artificial substitute, if taken in a fist, heats up quickly, a natural stone will keep cold for a long time;
- natural mineral has a clear luster along with a rich matte finish;
- dip half a stone into the water: if after a short period of time it becomes blurred or loses its luster, then most likely you have an analogue;
- natural stone always has a variety of inclusions, it is never homogeneous.
This mineral is fragile, therefore, it is important to take care of it carefully. You need to remember:
- do not leave the mineral for a long time in the sun or in water;
- jewelry should be stored in a soft separate case;
- do not expose it to chemicals;
- protect from temperature extremes and strong shocks;
- clean using cold water and weak soap solution, then rinse and dry with a cloth.
