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Crystal guide · Stones A–Z
Obsidian
the volcanic mirrorNatural volcanic glass, so smooth and dark that it was once polished into mirrors. Traditionally kept for protection, truth and grounding.
Shop obsidianfrom £2.50 · tumblestones, towers, spheres and more
Said to help withProtection, truth and grounding
ChakraRoot
ZodiacScorpio
ColourGlossy black; also snowflake, silver sheen and mahogany
Hardness5 to 5.5 out of 10, chips if knocked
What it isNatural volcanic glass, formed when lava cools too fast to grow crystals
Meaning
What obsidian is said to do
Where the name comes from
The Roman writer Pliny said it was named after Obsius, who found it in Ethiopia. Polished obsidian was used as a mirror for thousands of years: an Aztec obsidian mirror owned by Elizabeth I’s adviser John Dee is now in the British Museum.
Its dark, mirror-like surface has made it a stone of protection and of seeing the truth.
Crystal meanings describe tradition and belief, not medical advice.
Traditionally said to help with
ProtectionA classic protection stone, as on our protection page.
TruthIts mirror-like shine makes it a stone for honesty and seeing clearly.
GroundingLinked with the root chakra, for feeling steady.
Letting goTraditionally kept close when you want to move on from something.
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Snowflake Obsidian Crystal Obelisk Towerfrom £2.72
Towers · choose an option● Ships in 1–2 daysObsidian Crystal Spherefrom £4.66
Spheres · choose an option● Ships in 1–2 daysObsidian Tumblestone£2.50
Tumblestones● Ships in 1–2 days
Red Obsidian Crystal Spherefrom £4.66
Spheres · choose an option● Ships in 1–2 days
Obsidian Cat Crystal Carving£15
Carvings● Ships in 1–2 days
Snowflake Obsidian Crystal Spherefrom £15.54
Spheres · choose an option● Ships in 1–2 days
Silver Sheen Obsidian Crystal Spherefrom £19.43
Spheres · choose an option● Ships in 1–2 daysMystery Box · from £10Choose protection and we'll pick your crystals every monthChoose your box →Build a set
All stones A–Z →Goes well with obsidian
Everyday obsidian
How to use it
1By the front doorA sphere or carving by the door, as a protection tradition.
2In your bagA tumblestone for crowded places.
3As a mirrorGaze into a polished sphere while you meditate, an old scrying tradition.
4As a giftAn obsidian cat or sphere for someone who loves dark, glossy stones.
Care card
Looking after your obsidian
Sun is fineIt won’t fade, so it’s happy on a sunny windowsill.
Cleanse it now and thenLeave it in moonlight overnight, on a selenite plate, or next to a singing bowl.
Water is fineRinse and dry it. Obsidian is glass, so a chipped edge can be sharp: handle chipped pieces with care.
Questions
Obsidian, answered
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Crystal guide · Stones A–Z
Obsidian
the volcanic mirrorNatural volcanic glass, traditionally kept for protection and truth.
Shop obsidian · from £2.50Said to help withProtection, truth and grounding
ChakraRoot
ZodiacScorpio
ColourGlossy black; also snowflake, silver sheen and mahogany
Hardness5 to 5.5 out of 10, chips if knocked
What it isNatural volcanic glass, formed when lava cools too fast to grow crystals
Shop obsidian
Every obsidian piece
AllTumblestonesTowersSpheresCarvings
We pick for youBuild a set
Goes well with obsidian
Black tourmalinefor protection
Smoky quartzfor groundingSnowflake obsidianfor balance
Selenitefor cleansingWhat obsidian is said to do
Said by Pliny to be named after Obsius, who found it. An Aztec obsidian mirror owned by John Dee is in the British Museum.
ProtectionA classic protection stone, as on our protection page.
TruthIts mirror-like shine makes it a stone for honesty and seeing clearly.
GroundingLinked with the root chakra, for feeling steady.
Letting goTraditionally kept close when you want to move on from something.
Care cardLooking after your obsidian
Sun is fineIt won’t fade, so it’s happy on a sunny windowsill.
Cleanse it now and thenLeave it in moonlight overnight, on a selenite plate, or next to a singing bowl.
Water is fineRinse and dry it. Obsidian is glass, so a chipped edge can be sharp: handle chipped pieces with care.
How to use it
1By the front doorA sphere or carving by the door, as a protection tradition.
2In your bagA tumblestone for crowded places.
3As a mirrorGaze into a polished sphere while you meditate, an old scrying tradition.
4As a giftAn obsidian cat or sphere for someone who loves dark, glossy stones.
Obsidian, answered
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