About Obsidian
Obsidian is volcanic glass. Polished obsidian mirrors were used for scrying — John Dee's famous 'shew-stone' was an Aztec obsidian mirror. It is used for protection, truth and shadow work.
A volcanic glass traditionally used for scrying mirrors.
History & folklore
Obsidian was used for tools, blades and mirrors by ancient peoples worldwide. Aztec priests used polished obsidian mirrors for divination, and the English magician John Dee owned one. Obsidian scalpels are still used in some surgery because the edges are finer than steel.
Correspondences
- Traditional uses
- Protection, truth, shadow work
- Colour
- Glossy black
- Hardness
- 5–5.5 (Mohs)
- Element
- Fire / Earth
- Chakra
- Root
- Best day
- Sunday or Tuesday
- Moon phase
- Waning moon — for protection, clearing and letting go
- Intentions
- Protection, Truth
Ways to work with it
- Use a polished obsidian mirror or sphere for scrying.
- Hold it during shadow-work journaling.
- Keep it by the door for protection.
Where it comes from
Obsidian forms where lava cools very quickly, in places like Mexico, Iceland, Armenia and Oregon. It's glass, so it breaks with curved, shell-like edges.
Obsidian is glass: raw edges are razor sharp and it shatters if dropped.
Spells to try
Pairs well with
Tiger's EyeConfidence, courage, protection
MalachiteTransformation, protection, prosperity
Lapis LazuliWisdom, truth, psychic ability
HematiteGrounding, protection, focusCorrespondences are traditional associations gathered from folk practice and modern craft books. They vary between sources, and they are not medical advice. Read our editorial approach.