Obsidian Spiritual Benefits

What exactly is Obsidian?

Obsidian is natural volcanic glass formed when lava escapes a volcano and quickly cools. It can be found all over the world, pretty much wherever lava can be found. It is rich in silica and low in water content. Obsidian can typically be found black in color, but can also contain portions of hematite that give it a red or brown hue. Obsidian with tiny gas bubbles may also appear golden. In ancient cultures, obsidian was used to create weapons, tools, ornaments and mirrors. 

Because obsidian forms above ground, it is more susceptible to mixing with other trace elements. This is why we come across so many variations of this particular stone, such as snowflake obsidian and rainbow obsidian. 

The Various Types of Obsidian

There are so many variations of obsidian out there, so let’s explore a few you are likely to come across. 

Snowflake obsidian contains white inclusions of cristobalite, creating a visually stunning effect similar to snowflakes. It is known for being powerfully protective and bringing optimism and light to darker energies. It can help awaken your intuition to things beneath the surface.

Rainbow obsidian features almost iridescent swirls of different colors you can see at certain angles of light. It is a rare and grounding stone that can aid in your root chakra work. If you are working on remaining centered in stressful situations or connecting to confidence and power, this stone is a perfect addition to your spiritual practice.

The bright hue of blue obsidian is still a wonder, as geologists can only speculate that its color is from trapped gas bubbles that form as it cools. It’s so rare that this blue forms naturally, making it quite the spectacle to behold. Like its counterparts, blue obsidian is protective and removes lower vibration energies from your aura and atmosphere. It connects your root and throat chakras, giving you the push to express what boundaries you need in place to feel safe and secure. 

Obsidian Spiritual Properties

Obsidian is a stone of psychic and energetic protection, keeping those who wear it guarded from lower vibrational energies. Caution is advised when using this stone as it is a tool of absorption. If it is overloaded with energy from others, it can begin to project those energies onto you or your environment. Therefore, it is extremely important to keep your obsidian cleansed and recharged as much as possible. Be sure to take every opportunity possible to cleanse your obsidian in the light of the full moon. You can also keep it near a selenite piece to keep it cleansed of the energy it absorbs as it works to keep you protected.

Obsidian is a great stone for those who do psychic healing work. Whether you are reading energy, pulling cards, teaching yoga or performing energy healings, keep black obsidian nearby to help protect you from being overwhelmed with others. This powerful stone is also very grounding, which means it can aid in you standing in your power as you set boundaries with others.

The Healing Properties of Obsidian

We are always on a journey of healing emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. Crystals can help us become more aware of higher perspectives and healthier ways of processing what we are going through. Though there are many types of obsidian, they all carry the same base healing properties — grounding and protection. Its connection to the root chakra allows you to build barriers of emotional and spiritual strength around you. Holding this stone as you perform root chakra meditations and mantras is a great way to amplify its energy, charge it and absorb the goodness this stone has for you.