

In recent years the scalpel used by surgeons have been made from obsidian blades instead of conventional steel.

For this reason it was widely used during the Stone Age for knives, spear tips and arrows. The properties of obsidian make it one of the sharpest of all naturally occuring materials. Edges will often be curved and can be as sharp as a razor blade. This characteristic is typical of many brittle materials which are not crystalline. The correct term for this type of break is a conchoidal fracture. The way obsidian breaks is similar to glass. One respected geologist describes it as "a congealed liquid with impurities of rock and a limited number of microscopic crystals". Most magma contains at least 70% silicon dioxide which is the main constituent of obsidian.Īlthough often referred to as a 'stone' that's not quite accurate but finding a more appropriate word for obsidian can be difficult. Shungite is estimated to be at least two billion years old, zircon is around 4.4 billion years old. When compared to the age of many rocks and minerals that's relatively young.

Obsidian is rarely older than about twenty million years.
Red obsidian scalpel free#
The glass that subsequently forms will often be free from dirt, ash and other impurities. These tend to be close to the vent of the volcano. Some of the finest obsidian forms beneath the surface of the earth as molten magma seeps between fractures in rocks. The word amorphous is also used to describe a naturally occurring non crystalline solid. Other examples include jet, amber, moldavite, pearl and opal. These materials which include obsidian are known instead as mineraloids. The resulting hardened material is volcanic glass also known as obsidian.Ī material that's not crystalline (no crystals present) is not a mineral. They may start forming after a few weeks but will at best be microscopic. Once spewed out from the vent of a volcano it becomes known as lava.Īlthough lava initially cools fairly rapidly after being expelled, it has insulating properties so the cooling process slows down significantly over time.Ĭrystals do not have time to grow if it cools very fast as in hours to days. Magma is molten rock from beneath Earth's surface. This burning hot material then cools so rapidly against air, water or rocks that crystals do not have time to grow. Obsidian is natural volcanic glass produced as magma erupts onto the Earth's surface. A red/black variety of Obsidian.Ĭarry or place Red Obsidian as appropriate.Obsidian Meaning Properties Facts and Photos Contents Red Obsidian has a Mohs hardness of 5 to 5.5. Red Obsidian is thought to be beneficial for fevers, chills, strength, digestion, detoxification, blockages, arthritis, joint pain, cramps, injuries, pain, and circulation.

It vitalizes purpose and stimulates growth at all levels. It is a stabilizing stone that strengthens a weak aura and restores correct spin to the Sacral and Solar Plexus Chakras so you are naturally protected. It is indispensable for shadow and soul retrieval work, it shows where you have been in denial and brings closure to the vicious circle that it creates, breaking out of negative habits and unhealthy or outgrown life patterns. It removes energy blockages and cuts cords with psychic vampires that sap your energy. Red Obsidian is said to raise kundalini energy.
