Obsidian (Black)

Obsidian (Black)

SCIENCE / MINERALOGY
Black Obsidian is natural volcanic glass produced from silica-rich lava that cooled too rapidly to crystallize. It is amorphous rather than crystalline and breaks with sharp conchoidal fracture.

GEOLOGY & FORMATION
It forms mainly in rhyolitic lava flows and domes where highly viscous magma is quenched near the surface. Major sources occur in volcanic provinces worldwide.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Obsidian (Black) is traditionally associated with grounding, protection, discernment, and emotional steadiness. Its formation as rapidly cooled volcanic glass gives it an especially direct symbolic link with intense change becoming a stable new form. Practitioners commonly use it as a contemplative aid for staying centered when circumstances feel intense, distracting, or uncertain. These associations are part of crystal traditions and are not scientifically established medical effects.

KEY PROPERTIES
Grounding • Protection • Discernment • Stability • Focus • Boundaries • Resilience

CHAKRA: Root
ELEMENT: Earth
ZODIAC: Capricorn • Scorpio
MOHS HARDNESS: 5–5.5

ACCURACY / TRADE-NAME NOTE
Natural volcanic glass, not a mineral. Fresh broken edges can be extremely sharp.