Obsidian is volcanic glass.  Most obsidian is black but it can come in a surprising variety of colors, due mostly to inclusions; including silver, gold, blue, purple, green, mahogany and rainbow (with layers of contrasting colors).

Obsidian has been used for tool making since the dawn of man.  Its conchoidal fracture, due to its glassy amorphous nature, allows it to be 'knapped'.  Obsidian can be knapped to such a fine edge that it sees use as a surgical instrument today.  In archeology, the style in which an arrow head is made is sometimes used to describe different cultures (e.g. Clovis Man).

Lore

"The intrinsic properties of the numerous forms of obsidian include the reflection of ones flaws and the promotion of a clear picture of the changes which are necessary to eliminate the flaws." ¹  The literature suggests that each of the various colors and types of obsidian has its own properties.

"Archaeologists found 143 pieces of jewelry with the mummy of Tutankhamen; these were made of gold, carnelian, jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise, obsidian, rock crystal, alabaster, amazonite, and Jade.  In contrast to the Babylonians who were not too concerned about an afterlife, the Egyptian jewels often show little everyday wear." ²

"Remains of Central American Mayan temples have shown dark transparent obsidian-like slabs on a pedestal in small round temple building, as well as obsidian mirrors on some walls.  The Incas of Peru in South America also consulted dark mirrors.  There is also a lesser tradition of obsidian being used for scrying in native North America." ³

When obsidian is ejected from a volcano and solidifies in the air it falls to earth in a form known as an obsidian bomb.  Water worn obsidian bombs from the Apache Reservation in Arizona are called Apache Tears.  "Their name derives from a story about an Apache Indian tribe pursued by cavalry.  It is said that the warriors were forced over a precipice to their deaths and that the dark tears of grief of the Apache women solidified into the droplet - shaped stones which can be found in that area" ⁴

"Obsidian is a very protective stone.  It is also associated with the inner mysteries of the Goddess, symbolizing entrance to the labyrinth, the womb or the subconscious self." ⁵

"Placing pieces of Obsidian by the front and back doors will remove negative energy from visitors as they arrive, giving it back to them as they leave." ⁶

There is one theory about the creation of moldavite that says that is some type of obsidian of lunar origin.

At one time obsidian was thought  to be a useful treatment for colic.  It has also been used to deal with fevers and chills.

1)   Melody "Love is in the Earth" pg. 288

2)  D. J. Conway "Crystal Enchantments- A Complete Guide to Stones and Their Magical Properties" pg. 8

3)  Cassandra Eason "Scrying the Secrets of the Future" pg. 185

4)  Naisha Ahsian "The Book of Stones- Who They Are & What They Teach" pg. 39

5)  Gregory Branson-Trent “The Magick And Healing Properties Of Crystals, Metals And Stones“ pg. 73

6)  Marianna Sheldrake "The Crystal Healer- A Guide to Understanding Crystals and Their Healing Gifts" pg. 191

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