Tradename(s):

Mahogany (Pictured), Velvet (pictured), Rainbow, Gold Sheen, Silver Sheen, Snowflake, Apache Tears

Family:

Volcanic Glass

Description:

A natural glass that forms from volcanic activity. Because it rapidly cools when exposed to air, it forms without crystals. The most common color is black, but gray and brown also occur.  Rarely, colors such as red, blue, and green may also be found, and are the most expensive on the market. Inclusions may add colors to it such as gold, or silver sheen, velvet, or a rainbow affect. Some inclusions could be bubbles or crystals creating a random pattern such as snowflake. Pebbles of lava that rapidly cooled are called Apache Tears.

Hardness:

7

Found:

It is found world-wide, wherever there is volcanic activity. Most notable locations would be Russia, Norway, Mexico, California, Washington, and Arizona/U.S.A.

Healing Properties:

Aids the stomach and intestines and helps improve vision overall. There are different healing properties with different colors. Black, brown, golden - aids in eliminating bad habits Mahogany - puts one more at ease with their sensuality Rainbow - Balances and stabilizes energy Silver and gold sheen - stimulates activity and health Snowflake - assists with clarity and logic

Astrology:

Associated with Sagittarius, and the planets Saturn and Pluto.

Chakra:

Black - 1st chakra

Feng Shui:

Any negative direction

Legends and Folklore:

Ancient cultures have used obsidian as ornamental stone, ceremonial stone, and in jewelry. Most notably, obsidian was used by Native Americans for knives, and for arrowheads. The ancient cultures of Mexico called the stone Itzli, which meant "divine stone". Vases and mirrors of the stone were found in ancient Mexican graves. Another type of obsidian a lot of people are familiar with is Apache tears. Apache tears is obsidian that was spewed out of a volcano and cooled while falling to the ground like raindrops. Thus forming balls or elongated nuggets of obsidian. Some Native Americans believe that the nuggets are the tears of their ancestors.