Black obsidian is natural volcanic glass. It forms when lava cools too quickly for crystals to grow, leaving a glossy, jet-black stone. In feng shui and crystal traditions it is the classic protection stone, believed to absorb negative energy, which is why it is so often carved into Pixiu charms and strung as malas.
How obsidian forms
When lava rich in silica meets air or water and cools within moments, its atoms have no time to line up into crystals. The result is glass. Obsidian breaks along smooth curved surfaces into edges sharp enough that people in many parts of the world, from ancient Mesoamerica to the Mediterranean, made blades and arrowheads from it.
Obsidian is softer than quartz, around 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale, so it scratches more easily than most bead stones.
Kinds of obsidian you will see
- Black obsidian: solid, glossy black.
- Rainbow obsidian: shows bands of color under strong light, from tiny mineral inclusions in the glass.
- Sheen obsidian: glows gold or silver in the light, from trapped gas bubbles.
- Snowflake obsidian: black with white flower-like spots.
What black obsidian stands for
In feng shui, black is the color of water and of protection. Obsidian is worn as a shield against bad luck and ill will, and to stay grounded during difficult times. Paired with a Pixiu, it is meant to guard the wealth the Pixiu draws in. As a mala, it is used for protection mantras such as Om Mani Padme Hum. These meanings come from tradition, not from science.
How to wear and care for obsidian
- Many people wear protective stones on the left wrist, the hand feng shui associates with receiving.
- Store obsidian apart from harder stones and metal so it does not scratch.
- Wipe it with a soft cloth. Avoid dropping it on hard floors, since glass can chip.
