This Black Obsidian 6 Sided Pendulum is crafted from natural volcanic glass and polished into a classic six-sided faceted point.
Each pendulum is suspended from a silver plated chain and finished with a round Clear Quartz holding bead, providing a comfortable point from which to hold the pendulum.
Black Obsidian is one of the most recognisable natural volcanic materials. Unlike crystalline minerals such as Quartz, Obsidian forms when silica-rich molten rock cools so rapidly that there is insufficient time for an organised crystal structure to develop.
The result is a naturally occurring volcanic glass with a characteristically smooth, glassy appearance. Black Obsidian typically ranges from deep black to dark smoky-black and may appear slightly translucent around thinner edges when viewed against strong light.
Its unusual geological origin, distinctive appearance and long history of human use make Black Obsidian particularly interesting to geological, archaeological and crystal collectors.
Natural variations in colour, translucency, inclusions and surface appearance make every pendulum individually distinctive.
Suitable for mineral and geological collections, traditional dowsing practices, decorative collections or as a distinctive gift.
Geological & Material Information
Material: Natural Black Obsidian
Material Type: Volcanic glass
Rock Type: Igneous
Structure: Amorphous / non-crystalline
Typical Composition: Silica-rich volcanic glass
Typical Colour: Black to smoky-black
Fracture: Conchoidal
Mohs Hardness: Approximately 5–5.5
Pendulum Shape: 6 sided faceted point
Chain: Silver plated
Holding Bead: Round Clear Quartz
Black Obsidian forms when silica-rich lava or magma cools extremely rapidly, preventing substantial crystal growth.
This rapid cooling creates an amorphous structure, meaning the atoms within Obsidian are not arranged into the repeating crystalline structure characteristic of a true mineral.
Obsidian is therefore more accurately described as a naturally occurring volcanic glass rather than an individual mineral species.
Its chemistry can vary depending on the volcanic source, and small mineral inclusions, bubbles or other natural features may occur within the glass.
Is Black Obsidian a Crystal?
Mineralogically, no.
Black Obsidian is frequently grouped with crystals within the retail and metaphysical trades, but scientifically it is volcanic glass rather than a crystalline mineral.
A crystal has atoms arranged in an ordered, repeating structure. Obsidian cooled too rapidly for this crystalline structure to develop, leaving it predominantly amorphous.
The term Black Obsidian Crystal remains commonly used as a retail and search term, but natural volcanic glass is the more accurate geological description.
Why Does Obsidian Break Like Glass?
Obsidian commonly displays conchoidal fracture, producing smooth, curved fracture surfaces and potentially extremely sharp edges.
This property allowed Obsidian to be fashioned into cutting tools, blades and projectile points by different cultures throughout human history.
Its archaeological importance therefore extends far beyond its modern use as a polished ornamental and collectable material.
Metaphysical Properties
Within contemporary crystal traditions, Black Obsidian is commonly associated with grounding, protection, reflection, boundaries and self-awareness.
These associations form part of modern crystal traditions and personal spiritual practices and are not scientifically established properties of Black Obsidian.
Chakra Association
Traditionally associated with:
Zodiac Connection
Traditionally associated with:
- Scorpio
- Sagittarius
- Capricorn
Element
Earth
Within contemporary crystal traditions, Black Obsidian is commonly associated with the Earth element.
Crystal Pairing
Traditional crystal pairings for Black Obsidian include:
- Clear Quartz
- Smoky Quartz
- Black Tourmaline
- Selenite
These pairings reflect contemporary crystal traditions and personal practices rather than scientifically established effects.
Product Details
- Natural Black Obsidian
- Naturally occurring volcanic glass
- Six-sided faceted pendulum
- Silver plated chain
- Round Clear Quartz holding bead
- Individually polished
- Natural variations may occur
- Each pendulum is individually distinctive
- Randomly selected from our collection
Please Note
Black Obsidian is a natural volcanic glass rather than a crystalline mineral. Colour, translucency, inclusions and other natural characteristics may vary between individual pendulums.
Although polished Obsidian is suitable for decorative and collectable objects, volcanic glass can chip or fracture if dropped or struck against a hard surface. Damaged Obsidian may produce sharp edges and should be handled accordingly.
Natural inclusions, tiny pits and small surface variations can occur within polished Obsidian and are not necessarily imperfections.
We will randomly choose a pendulum from our collection for you.