Gold Sheen Obsidian

Natural Volcanic Glass

The scrying stone of power — reveals truth and aligns with purpose.

• Power
• Truth
• Purpose
• Manifestation
• Scrying
• Gold

Gold sheen obsidian is black volcanic glass displaying a striking golden sheen when light hits it at the right angle, caused by tiny gas bubbles or nanocrystals arranged in parallel layers within the glass. It was highly prized by ancient Mesoamerican cultures and used specifically for scrying mirrors and sacred objects connected to the sun and the divine.

Healing

Depression, Lack of Purpose, Ego Imbalance, Spiritual Alignment, Confidence

Everyday uses

Aztec scrying mirrors: polished obsidian mirrors were used by Aztec priests for divination. The famous 'Dr Dee's Mirror' in the British Museum is an Aztec obsidian mirror. The Aztec deity Tezcatlipoca ('Smoking Mirror') was associated with obsidian — his symbol of divine sight. Modern decorative gemstone use in jewellery, cabochons, and carvings. Used in Feng Shui to activate the wealth and power areas of a space.

Spiritual meaning

Gold sheen obsidian is a stone of power, purpose, and divine alignment. It reveals one's true purpose in life and removes ego-based obstacles that prevent us from pursuing it — invaluable for those with depression rooted in feeling purposeless or disconnected from their potential. It activates the solar plexus and root chakras simultaneously.

Formation

The golden sheen is caused by the orientation of microscopic gas bubbles, magnetite nanocrystals, or other inclusions arranged in layers parallel to the original lava flow surface. Light reflecting off these parallel layers creates the characteristic golden sheen — a phenomenon known as schiller.

Where it is found

Found in Mexico (the most significant source, particularly Hidalgo state), USA (Oregon), Guatemala, Ethiopia, and Japan. Mexican gold sheen obsidian has been mined since pre-Columbian times and used in sacred Aztec and Mayan objects.

Zodiac

Sagittarius, Scorpio, Leo

Chinese element

Dragon, Tiger, Horse, Snake