Other names of obsidian are Icelandic agate, vasser-chrysolite, Persian, royal agate, resin stone, bottle stone, snow obsidian, mountain diver, muslin stone, mountain mahogany, Montan jade.
Obsidian has small particles of magnetite, because of which it is usually black, nevertheless, in nature there are gray, red and brown varieties, there are even alternating colors, which outwardly resemble decorative marble.
Obsidian deposits. Armenia, Iceland, the USA, the Aeolian Islands, Mexico, Siberia, Saxony, Turkey, Ethiopia.
Application of obsidian. Since the Paleolithic, there have been histories of processing and further use of obsidian. Due to the fact that the fragments of obsidian have sharp cutting edges, it is very convenient for making sharp tips for spears and arrows, knives, axes, scrapers.
In Mesopotamia, the earliest obsidian products were discovered, they were more than nine thousand years old. And maybe it was the tips from the obsidian that were on the spears of primitive hunters when they went out to hunt mammoths. Later, obsidian began to be more widely used, namely, from it made amulets and decorations, ritual figures, household items.
In Ethiopia, mirrors were made from obsidian. Most of the ancient peoples during the rituals of sacrifice and embalming required the use of knives from obsidian. And although the people already knew the secrets of making iron implements, but the scalpels and knives of obsidian were sharper in dozens of times.
In ancient Egypt, the people believed that in the obsidian vessels incense last longer, and therefore, its qualities are preserved.
Later, obsidian began to be used in applied and jewelry art. In many museums of the world are stored obsidian products of skillful masters, jewelers, sculptors of past centuries.
Thanks to the great Faberge in Russia, the use of obsidian in jewelry production began, however, like other gem stones.
To date, the stone is counted among semi-precious stones, which are in demand in jewelry and art production. Obsidian products of modern masters - written sets, clocks, animal figurines, beads, beads, key chains, fountains. Mineral is also used in construction as an expanding filler of lightweight concrete and this is the main application of obsidian.
Therapeutic and magical properties of obsidian
Medical properties. Obsidian favorably affects the sacral chakra. In folk medicine, obsidian is used to treat colds due to hypothermia. Lithotherapists believe that the stone can help with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The normal blood pressure will help the obsidian rosary and beads.
Many wear obsidian jewelry for the prevention of most diseases. Nevertheless, because of the property of obsidian to reduce the energy of the kidneys, it is not necessary to wear ornaments from obsidian often.
Magical properties. Since ancient times, obsidian is used in magical rituals. The Sumerians from obsidian made mirrors. Some countries from the obsidian make magic balls, through which magicians can learn the future. It is believed that obsidian in itself carries the power of Saturn, Uranus and the Sun, and this is a good reason to use it with extreme caution. The stone will help the owner to see his shortcomings, and also will keep the owner from unseemly acts.
According to astrologers, obsidian is the stone of Pluto. It favors the zodiacal sign of Scorpio. In Transcaucasia, obsidian has long been used as a child's talisman.
There are legends that the stone is able to protect from sin and bad misdeeds, to withdraw negative emotions, to guard against the evil eye of bad people.
And the use of obsidian in writing instruments and instruments can be explained by its ability to help the master, sharpen the acuteness of his thoughts, concentrate forces, be more collected.
Talismans and amulets. Volcanic glass is a talisman of scientists, practicing mages, naturalists. Obsidian rosary will help the master develop clairvoyance. They also protect the host from evil spirits, from the negative impact of the surrounding world.