Gold sheen obsidian is black volcanic glass with a golden, glittery shine, caused by tiny gas bubbles trapped as the lava cooled. In crystal lore it is a scrying stone, used for gazing, self-reflection and planning ahead. Here is how it forms, where it is found and what it stands for in tradition.
The Physical Properties of Gold Sheen Obsidian
Gold sheen obsidian is a lesser-known type of black obsidian. And as a volcanic glass, it also forms in nature when lava flows out of a volcano and solidifies above the Earth's surface. This process happens so rapidly, resulting in the formation of this glittery stone.
The golden reflections on the stone's surface form as a result of gas being trapped in the liquefied magma once it cools. This gives a mesmerizing glimmer of gold that blends well with obsidian's ebony black base.
Obsidian forms a conchoidal fracture due to its rapid cooling. With a hardness rating of 5-5.5, this volcanic glass easily breaks into sharp-edged pieces. Freshly split obsidian pieces are very sharp and highly lustrous.
Due to its lack of toughness, obsidian is most suitable for applications where only minimal impact is required (e.g., creating jewelry pieces like brooches, earrings, and pendants).
The History of Gold Sheen Obsidian
The name obsidian was derived from the name Obsuis, a Roman explorer who discovered the rock in Ethiopia.
It is an extrusive rock, meaning it forms when lava comes out of a volcano and solidifies above the Earth's surface. It can form along the edges of a lava flow, a volcanic dome, or along a dike. Obsidian also forms when lava comes in contact with air or water.
Obsidian is abundant in locations around the world where there's volcanic activity. But it's commonly found in Brazil, Mexico, Afghanistan, Japan, and the US.
Gold sheen obsidian and silver sheen obsidian are found in Mexico where they are collected using shovels, pickaxes, and wheelbarrows.
Due to its distinct sharpness, obsidian is used for cutting, scraping, and slicing in ancient civilizations. In the Americas, it is fashioned into surgical tools and weapons. To this day, some surgeons prefer obsidian scalpels over steel because they're sharper, more narrow, and more precise.
The Lore of Gold Sheen Obsidian
The Aztecs (a nomadic tribe believed to have originated from northern Mexico) used obsidian as a material for scrying mirrors.
Obsidian was prized for knives, arrowheads, mirrors and ornaments across ancient cultures. Browse our polished obsidian to see the shine.
The Metaphysical Properties of Gold Sheen Obsidian
Since ancient times, gold sheen obsidian has been considered an ideal medium for scrying. In the chakra tradition it is linked with the root chakra, solar plexus chakra and third eye chakra.
Because of its reflective surface, gold sheen obsidian is a classic symbol of self-reflection and inner growth.
People who hold gold sheen obsidian while they meditate often describe it as a mirror for looking honestly at their own strengths and weaknesses and at their past.
In crystal lore it is the stone of stepping into your own power.
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Sources:
Gemstone Information - Obsidian, Golden Sheen Meaning and Properties - Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. (n.d.). Fire Mountain Gems. Retrieved June 10, 2022, from https://www.firemountaingems.com/resources/encyclobeadia/gem-notes/h22t
GOLD SHEEN OBSIDIAN. (2021, January 28). Sage Crystals. Retrieved June 10, 2022, from https://sagecrystals.com/blogs/properties/gold-sheen-obsidian
Gold Sheen Obsidian: Stone / Crystal Meaning. (n.d.). Astrolika. Retrieved June 10, 2022, from https://www.astrolika.com/stones-crystals/obsidian-gold-sheen.html
History.com Editors. (2022, March 30). Aztecs. HISTORY. Retrieved May 3, 2022, from https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-americas/aztecs
Rowe, H. (2021, October 2). Golden Sheen Obsidian: Meaning. Crystal Viden Handy Advice On Crystals & Gemstones. Retrieved June 10, 2022, from https://www.crystalviden.com/golden-sheen-obsidian/
Shadbolt, P. (2015, April 2). How obsidian Stone Age knives still cut it in surgery. CNN. Retrieved June 10, 2022, from https://edition.cnn.com/2015/04/02/health/surgery-scalpels-obsidian/index.html
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Obsidian Rock, Color, Composition, & Uses. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved May 3, 2022, from https://www.britannica.com/science/obsidian
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