One of the less known birthstones of Scorpio is Obsidian. If you are born from October 24 to November 22, you may consider this black stone as one of your potential birthstones.
Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass. It occurs when lava is cooled rapidly. When the lava hardens rapidly, there is no time for any crystalline structure to be formed. This is a black shiny stone. The other name of Obsidian is natural glass. Indeed, there is no well define crystal structure to this stone, making it very similar to glass.
The other well known ad less well known birthstones of this sign include:, aquamarine, agate, white quartz, jasper, moonstone, opal, ruby, rhodochrosite, topaz and turquoise.
Black is the color of protection and grounding. That’s why obsidian is used as a grounding stone. You can use it to release negative energy or it may help you just get rid of the excess energy. The Scorpio sign can be deeply emotional, which is why it needs some way of emotional release. This stone can bring them ease from mental tension and deep physical relaxation.
Obsidian is one of the stones that promote strength, protection, support, and compassion.
Now, there are many different varieties of Obsidian. One of them, called Snowflake Obsidian, is particularly suitable to Scorpio’s birthstone and belongs to the astrological birthstones of this sign. For example, it is identified as birthstone of this sign in the Ayurvedic astrology.
Some other forms of Obsidian may be assigned to Capricorn as well.
Physical Properties of Snowflake Obsidian
Snowflake Obsidian is about 70 percent amorphous silica glass, and the remaining part is a mixture of iron oxide and magnesium oxide.
Its hardness on the Mohs scale is rather low, between 5 and 5.5. Not really surprising for a form of glass that it is.
Its name originates from the snowflake pattern, usually painted in white.
This is a black and white stone. So we have the more dominant black and sometimes brown or gray color in the background and the irregular white snow-like pattern on top of it. The white part is actually a mineral called Phenocryst.
Larger deposits can be found in the USA, Iceland, and Mexico.
Lore
Legends say it that Snowflake Obsidian has been used as one of the best protection talismans. It has been valued highly by the ancient peoples, who used it to create knives and spearheads due to its razor-sharp edges (again suggesting protection).
Due to its volcanic origins, this stone has often been associated with Pele, the volcano goddess of the Hawaiian islands. Pele is a warrior goddess with great protective powers. It is believed that Snowflake Obsidian is capable of reflecting these powers. It is capable of warding off any negative energies to come to the owner of the stone.
Some polished specimens of black Obsidian are used in scrying.
Metaphysical Properties of Snowflake Obsidian
Snowflake Obsidian promotes purity and harmony. It makes us turn our attention inside, the only place on earth where we can find calm and peace.
Whenever you want to go into solitude, this stone can help you increase your concentration, without loosing touch with reality.
If you are into meditation and spiritual growth, because of its grounding properties, Snowflake Obsidian is one of the stones that can help you deepen your meditation.
In healing and crystal therapy, Snowflake Obsidian is known to help with inflammations and infections. It promotes blood circulation and is believed to be good for the nervous system.
If you are Scorpio and you have one of these beautiful stones, cleanse it regularly under running water. Don’t forget to charge it in sunlight, or using already charged Rock crystals. That way it will be much more efficient as a birthstone for your Zodiac sign.
Photo 2 credit: Ron Cogswell