Rainbow Obsidian Healing Properties, Meanings, and Uses
Welcome to the Crystal Encyclopedia minor entry page for Rainbow Obdisian. Here you will learn everything that we have discovered so far about this crystal, including what is Rainbow Obsidian, how they were formed, and its metaphysical properties. We will update this crystal guide as we discover new information.
Quick Overview of Rainbow Obsidian
Pronunciation
Rainbow Obsidian
Color
Chakra Healing
What is Rainbow Obsidian?
Obsidian is one of Earth’s most wonderful creations, a natural volcanic glass formed from molten lava in the last stages of eruption that were super-cooled along the surface before crystallization could occur. This amorphous material, classified as a “mineraloid,” has a hardness of 5 to 5.5 and is usually jet black or dark brown, though it does form in deep gray or gray-green. Inclusions and refraction of microscopic gas bubbles can produce rare color variations, markings, and iridescent “sheens” in some varieties, such as the highly favored Rainbow Obsidian.
This beauty displays iridescent bands of red, blue, gold, violet, and/or green when polished and exposed to bright light. Fashioned into a dome, it displays shimmering concentric circles, often called Heaven Eye or Iris Obsidian. A specimen refined with a well-placed cut can reveal a most stunning heart within its silky depths.
Obsidian has been utilized in tools, weapons, and for food cultivation as far back as the Old Stone Age for its conchoidal fracture and strong, sharp edges, and it was revered as a shamanic “mirror stone” in many ancient civilizations and cultures for spiritual rites, prophecy, or delving into the shadow self. To this day, there is no better ally for cleansing the psyche and getting to the heart of a matter than Obsidian. Its power works quickly and can, at times, be quite direct.
How is Rainbow Obsidian formed?
Rainbow Obsidian is formed during the eruption of felsic lavas, which are distinguished by having high concentrations of the chemical element silica. When lava cools at different times, it captures layers of magnetite nanoparticles which give it its rainbow colors.
What are Rainbow Obsidian's Metaphysical Properties?
Rainbow Obsidian is a gentle, loving variety of Obsidian with strong protective properties, helping those who have lost their power to regain it by facilitating a conscious, purposeful search of the emotional body. Peering into the depths of this stone draws one inward to the center of the Self, to the place of truth where wounding of the spirit began. Verbal or physical abuse, sudden trauma, grief, and even events beyond one’s control can create destructive thoughts and patterns that inhibit one’s personal and spiritual growth. It is the basis for eating disorders and addictions, fear and insecurities, depression, aggression, and other mechanisms that hold one to the past in order to survive. Rainbow Obsidian gently brings these wounds to light and, when one is ready to accept responsibility for one’s own healing, reveals the actions needed to release them. It enables one to accept who they are with compassion and to move forward.
Rainbow Obsidian is a stone of integrity and deep soul cleansing, bringing hope, illumination, and energy into the most blocked and stagnant areas of consciousness and grounding spiritual Light into the aura and physical body. It is a marvelous reminder one is a luminescent being, blessed by Divine Love and empowered to spread one’s radiance to others. It is considered a “stone of pleasure,” bringing gratification and enjoyment to one’s life, helping one to be optimistic and engaged in the world.
Rainbow Obsidian is ideal for cleansing and aligning the chakras and for use in stone layout sessions. Worn as a pendant, it absorbs negative energy from the aura and draws off pain and stress from the physical body. It is highly effective for expanding consciousness in the meditative state and encourages exploration of the unknown. Rainbow Obsidian is a wonderful tool for “gazing,”, especially in the areas of love matters and relationships, and for recognizing and activating untapped abilities.
How to use Rainbow Obsidian?
Hold Rainbow Obsidian to clear the mind, discharge negativity or confusion, or as a tool for triggering the memory. It is an excellent “thinking” stone to have nearby while studying, doing rituals, or any activity that requires concentration.
Gift Rainbow Obsidian as a talisman to those who are gentle in spirit, soft-hearted, or highly sensitive to the criticism of others. Its protective energy and shimmering light are reassuring, helping one remember one is never alone and always loved. Give one as a glimmer of hope to anyone suffering from deep despair, depression, or paralyzing fears or to someone with a difficult recovery period ahead.
More Crystal Information
What is Rainbow Obsidian?
Rainbow Obsidian is a natural black obsidian with inclusions and refraction of microscopic gas bubbles that produce rare color variations, markings, and iridescent “sheens” when cut and polished.
Where is Rainbow Obsidian found?
Rainbow Obsidian comes from the La Revoltosa Mine, San Andreas, Mun. de Magdalena, Jalisco, in Mexico.
How is Rainbow Obsidian formed?
Rainbow Obsidian is formed during the eruption of felsic lavas, which are distinguished by having high concentrations of the chemical element silica.
Can Rainbow Obsidian go in water?
Yes, it is not harmed by water.
Can Rainbow Obsidian be left in the sun?
Yes, Rainbow Obsidian is safe in the sun. It is black volcanic glass and will not fade.
How hard is Rainbow Obsidian?
Rainbow Obsidian is about 5.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. That is soft and easily scratched.
How to use Rainbow Obsidian?
For one thing… it is very decorative, and that use is very popular. Cut into hearts, particularly it is a very popular gift. It is also used to help one remember things one has forgotten. It is also used in preparation for meditation or rituals to clear the mind.
What does Rainbow Obsidian look like?
What healing properties does Rainbow Obsidian have?
Gift Rainbow Obsidian as a talisman to those who are gentle in spirit, soft-hearted, or highly sensitive to the criticism of others. Its protective energy and shimmering light are reassuring, helping one remember one is never alone and always loved. Give one as a glimmer of hope to anyone suffering from deep despair, depression, or paralyzing fears or to someone with a difficult recovery period ahead.
Note: There are many brightly colored glasses offered on the internet labeled as “Obsidian” but are artificial glass mass-produced in places such as Indonesia. Natural Obsidian does not form in clear, red, blue, or green, though these colors do form as a “sheen” or iridescence within Obsidian.
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Written By
Hank Mason
Hank Mason is the founder and chief author of Crystal Vaults. He is a retired USAF rescue helicopter pilot and a GIA Graduate Gemologist. Hank is also the author of The Seven Secrets of Crystal Talismans and Crystal Grids, How to Combine and Focus Crystal Energies to Enhance Your Life.
Published 03/10/2023
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References
In, G. (n.d.). Rainbow obsidian. Geology In. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.geologyin.com/2020/09/rainbow-obsidian.html
Rainbow obsidian: Mineral information, data and localities. - mindat.org. Mindat.org. (n.d.). Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.mindat.org/min-27158.html
Properties of rainbow obsidian. crystals. (n.d.). Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.crystals-online.co.uk/pages/properties-of-rainbow-obsidian?_pos=1&_sid=e15bdba6a&_ss=r
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