Black Obsidian Pendant strung on a 17" 14k gold-filled necklace.
Inspired by Aten/Atun, the Sun God in traditional ancient Egyptian religion. Aten was the original sun god that the more popular sun god Ra was derived from. Aten was more of an aspect of Ra and is depicted as a solar disk terminating in human hands. Aten creates the son in the mother's womb, the seed in men, and has generated all life.
Origins: Britain, Italy, Mexico, USA
Mohs Hardness Scale: 5-5.5
Properties: Obsidian is renowned for its protective qualities and its ability to bring clarity, balance, and grounding. This simple yet classic black stone, similar to onyx, holds significant energetic power to help dispel negative emotions and psychic clutter, enabling personal growth and transformation. Obsidian's protective qualities are well-known, serving as a talisman for clarity, protection, and balance. Its volcanic origin and rapid formation make it ideal for grounding and dispelling negative energies, allowing individuals to release emotional baggage and harmful habits.
This stone is considered a conduit of truth, helping individuals discover their authentic selves by shedding false preconceptions. Obsidian guides one on the right path, especially during times of starting anew after significant losses. If you are struggling with obsessions, compulsions, or psychic attacks, working with obsidian can provide potent protection against negative energies. Obsidian is a volcanic glass with a deep black color. It forms rapidly when felsic lava cools without crystal growth, resulting in its unique composition. Varieties of obsidian include Apache tears, mahogany obsidian, rainbow obsidian, sheen obsidian, and snowflake obsidian. On the Mohs scale, obsidian has a hardness ranging from 5 to 5.5. It is found in volcanic areas worldwide, including Latin America, Australia, North America, Europe, and Oceania.
Tidbit History: Obsidian has a rich history dating back to the Paleolithic era when it was used for crafting arrowheads as protection against invaders and wild animals. However, its most significant cultural impact can be seen in Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations. Due to limited access to metallurgical resources, obsidian became a crucial material for various purposes and was often referred to as "the steel of the Mesoamericans."
Obsidian artifacts can be found in numerous archaeological sites, such as knives, projectile points, beads, vases, masks, grave goods, human effigies, ear spools, and animal figures. Its applications spanned diverse activities, including hunting, butchery, agriculture, food preparation, funeral ceremonies, and rituals. In certain instances, obsidian was even used for blood-letting sacrifices as an alternative to stingray spines. The Mesoamericans believed that blood originated from the underground, making obsidian a fitting tool for cutting the skin.
Obsidian held cultural significance in temples, potlatching, and offerings. In Tikal, a prominent Mayan site, obsidian was revered as the stone of local gods. The rare Teotihuacan green obsidian was exclusively owned by the Mayan upper class, while lower-class citizens possessed less expensive varieties. The Aztecs also recognized obsidian and referred to it as "itztli."
