Obsidian is natural glass mainly composed of silica, with a hardness of 5-5.5, and can be found in a wide range of colours from dark browns and blacks to greens. It can be found in Mexico, Peru, United States, Japan, Italy. Its name is derived from the Latin obsianus lapis, after Obsidius who, according to the Roman historian Pliny, discovered the stone in Ethiopia. The Aztecs used obsidian to heal wounds. Spiritually it is at the crossroad between Divine Spirit and substance. Its names come from its variety of sheens: golden sheen, midnight lace, fire, snowflake, rainbow obsidian. Apache tears obsidian is said to represent the tears of Native American women who mourned their men killed by US cavalry. It brings good fortune and peace to the wearer. It protects against evil and negative forces. It removes negativity and protects the gentle from abuse. It is a good antidepressant, excellent for burns, an effective antispasmodic and helps with bacterial or viral infections. An excellent grounding stone, it helps stabilize internal and external energies. It was formerly used in the making of tools and sculptures, today it is the raw material for making rock wool. A tip for people sensitive to the cold, just slip a small obsidian stone in your socks and frozen feet will keep warm during winter.