![]() Their shape and color resemble peanuts indeed. It features patches of feldspar colored brown by hematite. Peanut obsidian (which is actually perlite, a close relative of obsidian) is known since the mid-20th century. If these inclusions are arranged as a thin streak, this effect is called the cat’s eye. Golden obsidian displays shimmering inclusions clearly distinguished on the black background. They ripple through the black background. Mahogany obsidian has brown-reddish blotches due to iron admixtures. The cut of these stones is multi-colored, resembling a gasoline spill. In addition, they display iridescence courtesy of magnetite nanoparticles. In nature, you can find gems with reddish, greenish, and blue base tints. Rainbow obsidian strikes with a variety of shades. These inclusions resemble tiny snowflakes. Snowflake obsidian has a deep black color and small whitish inclusions of cristobalite. When it comes to obsidian patterns, the most valuable varieties are: Snowflake obsidian It can be brown, silver, green, blue (Californian), golden (Caucasian), and purple. However, contrary to popular belief, obsidian provides more colors than black. It is this substance that explains the rich black color of the stone. Obsidian contains a large amount of magnetite in its composition. We recommend using obsidian in such pieces of jewelry as earrings, necklaces, pendants, etc. It is quite brittle and can crack easily to expose its conchoidal fracture. The stone has an average hardness corresponding to 5.0-6.0 on the Mohs scale and a glassy luster. Obsidian is not a mineral since it lacks crystal lattice. The second name of the mineral is volcanic glass. Its reserves in the earth's crust are considered inexhaustible since the ingenious rock will form as long as volcanoes erupt. Obsidian is silicon oxide that stems from the rapid cooling of magma. The black color of the gem symbolized death, parting, and grief.Ĭhemical and Physical Properties of Obsidian Their petrified tears became black stones. ![]() Heartbroken wives mourned the loss bitterly. Native Indian warriors, who did not want to become the servants of the colonists, bravely rushed into the mouth of the volcano. Indian tribes called obsidian the tears of the Apaches. After cooling down, it turned into gemstones. Allegedly, enraged Satan spewed out streams of fiery lava onto the Earth. The nations of the Caucasus believed that the black stone was born in the underworld. ![]() Mayans, for example, made spears, daggers, and various decorations of obsidian.Īncient people put forward their versions explaining the emergence of the black volcanic glass. The stone lent itself to tool crafting because it has very sharp chips. Tools made of volcanic glass, as this is how this igneous rock is alternatively called, were found at the sites of ancient settlements. At the same time, numerous archaeological excavations show that the stone was known in the Neolithic and Paleolithic eras, that is, 15,000 years ago. After that, Obsidium brought the mineral to Rome.įor the first time, the stone was mentioned in the records of the ancient Greek scientist Theofast, who lived in the III-IV centuries BC. He felt that he owed his survival to the marvelous stone. Others claim that Obsidium was the name of a Roman legionnaire who miraculously remained safe and sound in a terrible battle. Some scholars believe that the word Obsidian comes from the Greek ‘obis’ that means a spectacle (it’s because small mirrors were made of this mineral). ![]() There are two theories about the stone’s name. Today, this mysterious-looking gem is a sought-after embellishment for jewelry, talisman, and a popular remedy in lithotherapy practices. The stone accompanies mankind since time immemorial lending its generous healing, metaphysical, and decorative properties. Chemical and Physical Properties of ObsidianĪs black as darkness itself, obsidian is actually born in the flame. ![]()
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