Obsidian Stone Beads
Obsidian
Stone Beads are volcanic glasses, which are formed when hot burning
lava cools down. These beads have astounding luster. Obsidian beads
conceal against negativity and thus bring pleasure. For last many
decades, these beads have been using primarily for making tools and
jewelry. Due to their versatile nature, these beads have different
types. These types are Snowflake obsidian beads, Rainbow obsidian
beads, Black obsidian beads etc. The various obsidian bead colors
are light brown, black, purple, green, golden and silvery sheen, and
molten brown with black. The ever growing popularity of the obsidian beads are due to their features. These features include: these beads are opaque, having sharp edges, having stunning luster with shiny surface, fragile, having patches and are assailable to blows. There are many facts for which these beads are considered so important. These beads are treated as a mean of healing capacity. Apart from this, in bringing love, for self-control and resilience, in increasing the capacity for self-protection, in removing the pessimistic feeling etc., these beads are considered as very useful. These beads are mainly used in weapons, jewelry, mirrors, masks, tools etc. The major countries, where these beads are found are Mexico, South Africa, Japan, Afghanistan, U.S.A, Java, Italy, and Hawaii.
Obsidian Stone
Chemical Formula: SiO2
Color: Dark green to dark brown and black
Hardness: 5.0- 5.5
Specific Gravity: 2.6
Obsidian is a hard volcanic glass that displays shiny and curved surfaces. It is formed as a result of volcanic lava coming in contact with water. This glassy, lustrous mineral is found in lava flows, and obsidian stones can be massive. Obsidian is formed when viscous lava (from volcanoes) cools rapidly. The stone sometimes may contain small bubbles of air aligned along layers that produce interesting effects such as a golden sheen, known as Sheen Obsidian or a rainbow sheen called Rainbow Obsidian.
Obsidian is often confused with smoky quartz because of a similar chemistry. It has been used by ancient people as a cutting tool, for weapons, and for ceremonial purposes. The stone is found in the regions of Italy; Mexico; Scotland; Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Utah and Idaho, USA.
