In Tikal, a prominent Mayan site, obsidian was revered as the stone of local gods. Obsidian held cultural significance in temples, potlatching, and offerings. The Mesoamericans believed that blood originated from the underground, making obsidian a fitting tool for cutting the skin. In certain instances, obsidian was even used for blood-letting sacrifices as an alternative to stingray spines. Its applications spanned diverse activities, including hunting, butchery, agriculture, food preparation, funeral ceremonies, and rituals. 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. 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.' However, its most significant cultural impact can be seen in Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations. 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. It is found in volcanic areas worldwide, including Latin America, Australia, North America, Europe, and Oceania. On the Mohs scale, obsidian has a hardness ranging from 5 to 5.5. Varieties of obsidian include Apache tears, mahogany obsidian, rainbow obsidian, sheen obsidian, and snowflake obsidian.

It forms rapidly when felsic lava cools without crystal growth, resulting in its unique composition. Obsidian is a volcanic glass with a deep black color.

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 is renowned for its protective qualities and its ability to bring clarity, balance, and grounding.

Obsidian crystal benefits