Obsidian

[img left]http://www.burgasmuseums.bg//system/images/cache/encyc98_150x150obsidian.jpg[/img]Obsidian is a natural volcanic glass that forms when the lava cools rapidly. Its composition is silica based. Cleavage does not occur, Obsedian has typical conchoidal fracture. Usually its colour is black, but varies also in brown and grey. This mineral is very hard, but at the same time very fragile. Single hit can fracture it into sharp cutting pieces.

It was used already in the Antiquity to produce blades for arrows and spears as well as knives and other cutting tools. It is said that the stone is named after the Roman Obsidius, who first brought scalpels from obsidian from Egypt to Rome. Although most likly its name comes from the Greek word “opsis” meaning vision, spectacle as the black obsidian from Ethiopia in ancient times was used for mirrors. Volcanic glass is polished well and fairly easily. In ancient Egypt obsidian mirrors were popular; some of them have survived until today.

One form of black obsidian is called "Apache tears." There is the following legend: In the 70s of the 19th century, a cavalry squadron of the U.S. Army attacked 75 Apache warriors. Already after the first shots more than 50 Indians fell dead. The rest preferred to jump with their horses off a nearby cliff, than to die at the hands of the white people. The women of the Indian warriors cried days and nights at the base of the high cliff. Their sadness was so sincere and their pain so great that the Great Father took a pity over them and turned the tears into black stones. Put towards the sun, these stones become transparent and everyone could see the petrified tears of the apache women and girls. It is believed that the "Apache tears" is a lucky stone, because whoever owns at least one stone would never have to cry again as the Indian women cried out all tears in stead.

Obsidian will protect you from malevolent people, who try to use you. Piece of it, put in with your money will help you save (so money wont slip through your fingers).

Petya Yordanova