Black as a moonless night and smooth as a mirror, obsidian forms when lava cools so fast it has no time to crystallize. A men's obsidian bracelet puts a piece of volcano on your wrist: plain from a distance, full of surprises up close.
Black, golden or rainbow: which one?
Black obsidian is the boldest: a dense, glossy black, lifted with tiger's eye and hematite in the “3 Protections” bracelet. Rainbow obsidian looks black in soft light, then shows green and purple flashes the moment light hits it. It's the stone of the “Guardian Eye” bracelet, in 6, 8 or 10 mm beads. Golden obsidian hides a gold sheen under its dark surface; it alternates with blue-flashing labradorite in the “Refuge” bracelet, strung on double elastic.
Where the name comes from
According to Pliny the Elder, a Roman called Obsius brought a dark, glossy stone back from Ethiopia, and it was named “Obsius's stone”. Long before him, people knapped obsidian into blades and arrowheads, and ancient Mexico polished it into mirrors. It has kept the image of a dark shield: obsidian is a stone of protection, grounding and honesty with yourself. Many wearers suggest getting used to it a few hours a day before wearing it all the time.
Braided, elastic or mala?
If elastic isn't for you, the braided hematite, tiger's eye and obsidian bracelet adjusts with a pull of its sliding cord. For meditation, the 108-bead mala in black and golden obsidian measures 65 cm (25.6 in) and wraps several times around your wrist. As for care, remember that obsidian is glass: a quick rinse is fine, knocks are not. Keep it from banging against a watch case, and store it in its own linen pouch, away from your other jewelry.
See all our obsidian bracelets, our full range of obsidian jewelry and our malas, or read our obsidian guide. From your second item, shipping is free.
