OBSIDIAN

Chemical Composition: an Igneous Silica (volcanic glass)
Hardness: 6-7
Occurrence: Obsidian occurs in volcanic lava flows, from silica-rich magma that has come to the surface.
Metaphysical Properties: Excellent for grounding and protection. Wards off negativity. Useful for introspection - helps one to see where changes need to be made within oneself.
Corresponding Astrological Sign: Sagittarius
Chakra: 1st - Root chakra

 
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Obsidian and its properties

Physical properties of obsidian:

Obsidian is a glassy volcanic rock with a high vitreous luster. It often leaves sharp edges when it fractures, and has long been used for tools and weapons. It can be black, gray, brown, or green.

Obsidian has a hardness of 5 to 5 1/2 on the Mohs' scale, and a specific gravity of 2.30 to 2.60.

Metaphysical properties of obsidian: ...

Obsidian is said to improve vision. This effect is said to help both your outer, physical vision, and your inner, spiritual vision. It can help you to be more psychic and is said to promote visions of future events that will effect you and your loved ones.

Obsidian can allow you to see more clearly into your very essence. It can be considered a doorway to your true inner self. It sooths and balances emotional and mental aspects, resulting in a more harmonious life.

This stone is a very protective stone. Obsidian can help dispel negative energies, protecting you from their influences as they are dispelled.

Obsidian is a nurturing stone, and can help you to accept the changes that are a part of everyone's lives. It's energies are a grounding and stabilizing influence.

Obsidian is said to benefit the eyes, intestines, and digestive tract.

Obsidian and synergy:

Obsidian's energies are a good match for those born during The Moon of Frost - (23 Oct - 22 Nov). People born during this period can benefit from obsidian's balancing and stabilizing influence.

This stone is a good choice for those born under the zodiac sign of Scorpio.
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The Metaphysical Properties of Apache Tears
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 obsidian

Properties: The stones are said to bring good luck to those possessing them. Black obsidian is a powerful Meditation stone. The purpose of this gemstone is to bring to light that which is hidden from the conscious mind. It dissolves suppressed negative patterns and purifies them. It can create a somewhat radical behavior change as new positive attitudes replace old, negative, egocentric patterns.The Apache tears are also said to balance the emotional nature and protect one from being taken advantage of. It can be carried as an amulet to stimulate success in business endeavors. It is used at the Root Chakra for grounding and protection.

Folk Remedies: Eases and releases pain, loss, sadness, anger, to help heal and go on with life. For looking within, protection, vision quest/purpose. Gently grounds and unblocks lower body and endocrine glands/Chakra. Helps healing.

Feng Shui: This stone is used in any direction in order to attract good luck and protection.

History: The haunting legend about the Apache Tear is about the Pinal Apaches, who had made several raids on a settlement in Arizona. The military and some volunteers trailed the tracks of the stolen cattle and waited for dawn to attack the Apaches. The Apaches, confident in the safety of their location, were completely surprised and out-numbered in the attack. Nearly 50 of the band of 75 Apaches were killed in the first volley of shots. The rest of the tribe retreated to the cliff's edge and chose death by leaping over the edge rather than die at the hands of the white men. For years afterward those who ventured up the treacherous face of Big Pacacho in Arizona found skeletons, or could see the bleached bones wedged in the crevices of the side of the cliff.

The Apache Women and the lovers of those who had died gathered a short distance from the base of the cliff where the sands were white, and for a moon they wept for their dead. They mourned greatly, for they realized that not only had their 75 brave Apache warriors died, but with them had died the great fighting spirit of the Pinal Apaches.

Their sadness was so great, and their burden of sorrow so sincere that the Great Father imbedded into black stones the tears of the Apache Women who mourned their dead. These black obsidian stones, when held to the light, reveal the translucent tear of the Apache.