Obsidian bracelets and pendants come with several names: black, rainbow, gold sheen, ice. They are all the same material with different looks. This guide explains the differences and how to choose one.
What obsidian is
Obsidian is natural volcanic glass, formed when lava cools too quickly to grow crystals. It is smooth, glossy and fairly hard, but, like any glass, it can chip or crack if knocked or dropped.
The main types
- Black obsidian: evenly black with a mirror-like shine. The plainest and most common type.
- Rainbow obsidian: looks black in dim light, but shows rings or bands of green, purple and blue when turned under a strong light.
- Gold sheen obsidian: a soft golden shimmer that moves across the bead under light, like a cat's eye.
- Ice obsidian: a trade name for paler, more translucent pieces, grey rather than deep black.
A simple check: hold the bead under a phone torch and turn it slowly. Rainbow and gold sheen types show their colour only at certain angles; that is normal, not a fault.
What obsidian is said to stand for
In Chinese folk custom, black obsidian is commonly worn as a protective stone, said to keep away negative influences, and it is often carved into Pi Xiu, zodiac animals or the yin-yang symbol. A widespread saying is that obsidian should be worn on the right hand; treat this as a custom rather than a rule. Obsidian is not one of the classic Tibetan mala materials, but today it is often combined with Buddhist symbols such as the six-syllable mantra.
These are cultural meanings. An obsidian bracelet is not a medical product and does not guarantee any result.
Obsidian pieces in our shop
Bracelets and pendants in black, rainbow and gold sheen obsidian. See the full Black Obsidian collection.
How to choose
Type
Choose plain black for a quiet, everyday look that goes with anything. Choose rainbow or gold sheen if you enjoy a stone that changes in the light. Carved beads and charms, such as Pi Xiu or zodiac animals, suit gifts with a specific wish.
Bead size and wrist size
Measure your wrist with a soft tape and compare it with the wrist range on the product page. Beads of 8 mm (0.31 in) are light and suit slim wrists; 10 mm (0.39 in) is the usual all-round size; 12 mm (0.47 in) and above look bold and feel noticeably heavier, because obsidian is dense.
Cord and extras
Elastic cord is easy to put on; a knotted or adjustable cord lasts longer. Check the Material line on the product page for other parts such as copper, wood, cinnabar or jade.
How to care for obsidian
- Avoid knocks and drops; take the bracelet off for sport and manual work.
- Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry it straight away. Keep elastic cord and any wood or cinnabar beads away from water.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as hot showers or saunas.
- Store it in a pouch, apart from harder stones and metal that can scratch the polish.
