Snowflake obsidian is a variety of the obsidian stone which is black and includes numerous white spots resembling snowflakes. What produces the blotchy snowflake pattern is the inclusion of small, white spherulites (radially clustered crystals) of cristobalite in the obsidian. The gem can be found in the USA, Canada, Turkey, Papua New Guinea, Mexico, New Zealand, Greece, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Australia, and Armenia.
The Physical Properties of Snowflake Obsidian
Snowflake obsidian is a naturally occurring black, volcanic glass, commonly found within the margins of obsidian flows (rhyolitic lava flows). It is produced when felsic lava cools quickly with minimal crystal growth. It is a glassy and compact amorphous rock without a crystal structure. However, the older the stone is, the more advanced its crystal formation becomes (that’s reflected in the so-called snowflakes – small and irregular white spots). Snowflake obsidian a hard rock, with a hardness of 5.5 on the Mohs scale. It has opaque transparency but is translucent on the edges.
The History of Snowflake Obsidian
Obsidian was named after the Roman explorer Obsidius who discovered it in Ethiopia. In the Stone Age, obsidian weapons and tools were preferred because of its hardness and the flint that could be made by cleaving it. Native Americans made jewels, sculptures, and weapons from it, and in antiquity, it was used to create elaborate mirrors and objects.
The Lore of Snowflake Obsidian
Known as the stone of purity, the snowflake obsidian symbolizes the need to detoxify your mind, spirit, heart, and body. The toxins can prevent or interfere with the free flow of positive energies. Whatever is causing you worry, pain, or fear will be removed thanks to the stone’s help in achieving the right balance. Snowflake obsidian is was also associated with divine guardian spirits, serving as a reminder that the spirits are pulling you close in a protective and warm embrace. The gem was also used for easing problems with the menstrual cycle, improving blood circulation, balancing hormones, and relieving pain.
The Metaphysical Properties of Snowflake Obsidian
When you want to understand your anxiety or worries more clearly, you should choose snowflake obsidian. We can solve many problems just by understanding what they are and where they come from. It helps us become and stay focused and centered when chaotic situations present themselves, removing all negativity from us or our space with ease.
Snowflake obsidian will help you achieve everything you want in life by harnessing your personal power. It will work as a mirror that lets you see the reflection of who you truly are, helping you understand your weaknesses and turn them into strengths. Use it to release unhealthy mental patterns and old ways of thinking to move forward, grow, and bring better decisions for yourself. Snowflake obsidian is also believed to cleanse lack of enthusiasm, stagnation, and tension with those you work with. If you have feelings of loneliness and isolation or tendencies to become detached and dispassionate, the stone can help you get rid of them.