Purple Obsidian: Complete Buying Guide, Meaning, Uses, Properties & Facts

Purple Obsidian, a stone celebrated for its impressive purple color and shiny surface, is a favorite among crystal collectors. This guide will provide you with essential insights into the stone’s meaning, uses, and characteristics. It will equip you with the knowledge needed to make a well-informed buying decision.

Purple Obsidian, a lesser-known type of Obsidian crystal, is unique and powerful. Its deep purple hue is thought to relate to spiritual growth and psychic abilities. It’s a great choice for crystal healers wishing to boost their work or jewelry enthusiasts after a unique item. Purple Obsidian has many uses and benefits, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection.

Purple Obsidian is an interesting gemstone with unique metaphysical and physical features. If its bright color or energetic properties interest you, this comprehensive guide will offer all the necessary information for understanding its beauty and importance.

What is Purple Obsidian? 

Purple Obsidian is a rare variety of obsidian, a type of volcanic glass, that exhibits a rich purple color. Like other forms of obsidian, it is an igneous rock that forms when high-silica lava cools rapidly without time for crystal growth. Its unique color comes from trace elements or inclusions, often magnesium or iron, within the rock.

Purple obsidian is mainly recognized by its color, which varies from light pinkish-purple to deep violet based on the impurities during formation. It has a smooth, glass-like surface, often breaking in a curved pattern. As volcanic glass, it can have a shiny, reflective appearance. It is usually see-through or semi-transparent.

Symbolic Meaning

The symbolic importance of purple obsidian is often linked to spiritual development, transformation, and introspection. Throughout history, numerous cultures have attributed an increased sense of intuition and emotional healing to purple obsidian. The spiritual and therapeutic advantages it provides are highly appreciated because of their significance.

Healing Properties and Energy

Purple Obsidian is believed to have many healing properties. However, it’s important to note that these are based on beliefs and practices in crystal healing and are not scientifically proven. Always seek advice from a healthcare professional for medical issues.

Spiritual Healing

The gem is believed to aid in spiritual development by enhancing psychic abilities and intuition. It is also said to facilitate communication with the spiritual realm and to increase spiritual awareness and understanding.

Purple obsidian, specifically, is a mineral that is frequently used in these practices. Sought after for its reported ability to enhance intuition and spiritual growth.

Emotional Healing

Purple Obsidian is linked with emotional healing, helping with feelings of grief, fear, and anger. It is said to balance emotions, encourage forgiveness, acceptance, and aid in overcoming past pain. It is also believed to protect against negative vibes and emotional damage.

Purple Obsidian is often used for emotional healing due to its supposed ability to bring clear-mindedness and stability. This gemstone is believed to enhance emotional balance and resistance to stress, making it a popular choice for emotional healing.

Mental Healing

In terms of mental healing, Purple Obsidian is thought to promote clarity of thought and to help in making clear, rational decisions. It may also help in overcoming mental stress and anxiety, and in promoting mental stability and peace of mind.

Physical Healing

While crystal healing should never replace professional medical advice, believers in this practice use Purple Obsidian for various physical ailments. The stone is believed to improve circulation, promote detoxification, and aid in healing wounds. It may also be beneficial for eye health and digestion. Some also believe it can help with issues of the ears, nose, and throat, as well as the skeletal system.

Remember, these properties are based on beliefs and traditions in crystal healing and spirituality, and are not scientifically validated. It’s always essential to seek professional medical advice for physical ailments.

Chakra Association and Balancing

Purple Obsidian is a variety of obsidian that is associated with the upper chakras, particularly the Third Eye (Ajna) and Crown (Sahasrara) chakras.

Third Eye (Ajna) Chakra is located between the eyebrows and is associated with intuition, insight, and psychic abilities. Purple Obsidian is believed to stimulate and open the Third Eye chakra, enhancing one’s intuition, inner vision, and spiritual awareness. It may help with developing a deeper understanding of oneself and the world on a spiritual level.

Crown (Sahasrara) Chakra, located at the top of the head, is associated with spirituality, enlightenment, and connection to higher consciousness. Purple Obsidian is thought to assist in aligning and balancing the Crown chakra, facilitating spiritual growth, enlightenment, and a deeper connection to universal energies.

It is important to cleanse and recharge your chakra stone in order to maintain its energy and effectiveness. To learn more, you can read our article on obsidian crystal chakra.

Astrological Zodiac Connection

Purple obsidian appears to be closely related to Capricorn. This correlation suggests that individuals born under this sign may experience amplified benefits from interaction with this gemstone.

These benefits can range from enhanced focus and determination to improved decision-making skills. Moreover, it’s posited that purple obsidian could potentially foster Capricorns’ innate sense for practicality and ambition, thus contributing positively towards their personal growth as well as professional success.

Crystal Pairings for Purple Obsidian

Purple obsidian, when combined with specific crystals, is thought to boost its inherent properties and benefits.

• Amethyst: Known for its calming energy, amethyst is said to amplify the soothing properties of purple obsidian.
• Clear Quartz: This transparent stone is considered a ‘master healer’, reputedly enhancing overall vitality when paired with purple obsidian.
• Rose Quartz: Believed to strengthen love and harmony, rose quartz in combination with purple obsidian might intensify emotional healing.

Remember that actual results may vary based on individual experiences.

Historical Significance of Purple Obsidian

Purple obsidian was highly valued for its aesthetic appeal and rarity, leading to its use in the creation of ornamental items and jewelry. In certain societies, it was perceived as a symbol of power, wealth, and status.

It is noteworthy that due to its scarcity and the complexity involved in mining it, purple obsidian often played a role in trade systems, contributing significantly to ancient economies.

Furthermore, its metaphysical properties were revered by those who believed in its ability to aid spiritual growth or ward off negative energy.

Geographical Origin

In terms of geographical origin, this particular gemstone is predominantly found in regions with significant volcanic activity, such as certain parts of Mexico and the United States. The extraction process for purple obsidian requires advanced geological techniques due to its unique formation under extreme heat and pressure conditions.

Purple obsidian, a variant of volcanic glass, originates from rapidly cooling lava with low water content. These specific conditions result in an amorphous structure embedded with minute mineral impurities that give it a distinctive purple hue.

The availability of this gemstone is directly linked to global volcanic activity and its geographical distribution. It presents both economic opportunities and challenges: while it can be relatively rare, hence valuable, the unpredictability of volcanic eruptions makes it difficult to reliably source.

Physical Properties and Characteristics

Purple Obsidian is a unique variety of obsidian characterized by its deep purple to violet coloration. Here are some of its physical properties and characteristics:

1. Color: Purple obsidian, as the name suggests, has a deep purple color. This is due to the presence of impurities in the rock. The exact shade of purple can vary depending on the specific impurities and their concentration.
2. Luster: Like all obsidian, purple obsidian has a glassy luster. It is very shiny and reflective.
3. Texture: Obsidian is a smooth rock with a vitreous (glass-like) texture. It can be sharp and is often used for making blades in primitive cultures.
4. Conchoidal Fracture: Obsidian tends to break with a characteristic “conchoidal” fracture, which is a type of fracture with smooth, curved surfaces that resemble the inside of a seashell. This is a characteristic of glass and other brittle materials.
5. Hardness: Obsidian is relatively hard, with a hardness of about 5-6 on the Mohs scale. This is similar to the hardness of a steel knife.
6. Translucency: Some forms of purple obsidian are translucent when held up to the light, which can give the rock a beautiful, gem-like appearance.
7. Density: Obsidian is a dense rock, with a specific gravity of about 2.4. This makes it heavier than many other types of rock.
8. No Cleavage: Unlike many minerals, obsidian does not have a cleavage, which is a tendency to break along flat planes. Instead, it fractures in a conchoidal manner.

Buying Guide: Price Factors

The price of the unique purple obsidian gemstone depends on several factors. These include its rarity, where it’s from, its size, quality, and color depth. The rarer the gemstone, the higher its cost. Stones from areas with high mining costs are also pricier. Larger gemstones cost more due to their jewelry potential. The gemstone’s clarity, cut, and condition – its quality – can greatly affect its price. Lastly, deeper colored purple obsidian stones are more sought after and therefore more expensive.

To help you understand what to look for and consider when purchasing this beautiful gemstone, read our article on the complete buying guide for all types of obsidian crystal with prices.

Care, Maintenance, and Storage

Proper care, maintenance, and storage contributes to its longevity. Conversely, poor handling can lead to its depreciation. Read our article for tips to help you take care for all types of obsidian crystal.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the unique and rare purple obsidian gemstone holds significant symbolic meaning and healing properties.

Its chakra associations and astrological connections further enhance its metaphysical importance.

The volcanic formation process contributes to its physical durability, thus influencing its pricing in the market.

Proper care, maintenance, and storage remain crucial to sustaining the stone’s longevity.

Therefore, a thorough understanding of these aspects is indispensable for potential buyers intending to invest in this intriguing gemstone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Popular Jewelry Designs That Incorporate Purple Obsidian?

Popular jewelry designs incorporating purple obsidian often feature pendants, bead necklaces, and earrings. The stone’s unique color enhances the aesthetic appeal of these items, making them highly sought-after in contemporary jewelry markets.

How Does the Color of Purple Obsidian Compare to Other Types of Obsidian?

Compared to other obsidian types, purple obsidian exhibits a distinctive hue due to trace elements and impurities. This color variation does not affect the mineral’s key properties, maintaining its glassy luster and conchoidal fracture pattern.

Can Purple Obsidian Be Artificially Created or Enhanced?

Purple obsidian, like other forms of obsidian, can be artificially created or enhanced through various methods such as heat treatment. However, this process may alter its inherent properties and potentially impact its market value.

What Precautions Should Be Taken When Wearing Purple Obsidian Jewelry?

When wearing jewelry made from purple obsidian, care should be taken to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and abrasive materials. It is also advisable to remove such pieces before engaging in rigorous physical activity.