Snowflake Obsidian

After volcanic eruption, hot lava flows into water and certain changes take place during the process of cooling, leading to the change in chemical composition and surface of flowing layers. There are three different possibilities of chemical composition happening, hence there are three different varieties of obsidian rock, one of which is the snowflake obsidian. Obsidian was discovered in Ethiopia by a person called Obsius, hence this rock is named after the discoverer. When the hot lava cools down quickly either in river, ocean or lake, there is no time for crystallization to occur. This cooling of lava turns into solid volcanic glass which is called obsidian. The lava enters the gaps between the stones and rocks in the water body while solidifying. Thereby the lava solidifies in compact lumps or thick massive layers that are amorphous in nature.

This naturally occurring volcanic glass is formed as an extrusive igneous rock. This rock is high in silica content and has a high viscosity and polymerization degree. This rock mostly occurs in dark black color, however dark green and brown shades are also commonly seen. Some rare colors are blue, red, orange and gray. The color varies due to the change in the impurities and oxidation state of the chemical elements. However, it is mostly seen in dark color because it is rich in magnesium and iron. Due to the oxidation state of iron, we get to see the green color. The three varieties of obsidian found are the snowflake obsidian, sheen obsidian and rainbow obsidian. Snowflake obsidian is formed when crystallization occurs in the flowing lava.

Meaning
This stone is associated with purity, and helps in balancing mind, body and spirit. It is placed on the sacral hara chakra, and helps in calming and soothing a person, and allowing the person to view unhealthy patterns present in their own behavior, thus helping to ground oneself better. Hence, it is used for spiritual healing.

Physical Properties
This stone is amorphous in nature. Due to its amorphous nature, it lacks the crystal structure. Its chemical composition consists of silicon dioxide with impurities. It has hardness ranging from 5 to 5.5 on the Mohr's scale of hardness. It is a very beautiful looking stone, that has black and white inclusion. Due to the black with white snowflake patterns of this mineral, it is called snowflake obsidian.

Healing Properties
As mentioned above, snowflake obsidian is used for balancing the body, mind and spirit. It helps in centering and focusing, during a chaotic situation. It helps in removing negativity from a space. It helps to put a person at ease. This is a very grounding and protective stone, and used for cleaning all kinds of negative energies present in the environment or negative emotions present inside a person.

Uses
During the stone age, people used obsidian like flint for making sharp blades or arrowheads. It was also used for polishing to create early mirrors. More than using to make tools, today snowflake obsidian beads and pendants are used due to its metaphysical properties. Hence, it is used for making semi precious stone jewelry. Snowflake is combined with sterling silver or yellow gold to make ring, pendants, etc. The snowflake obsidian and rainbow obsidian are commonly used for making gemstone jewelry.

Snowflake obsidian stones or jewelry can be found in many stores that sell semi precious jewelry. You can also order a specific piece of jewelry made using it, to benefit from its healing properties.