Rainbow Obsidian Meaning & Properties. How & When to Use It?

Rainbow Obsidian (also known as Sheen and Iris Obsidian) looks like your ordinary black one at first sight. But when it is polished and exposed to bright light, it reveals many iridescent layers of rainbow color. It is caused by nanoparticle inclusions of the mineral pyroxene. 

And although some of the properties of this healing crystal are similar to Obsidian, they are very far from being called “the same thing.” So let’s try and figure out what makes Rainbow Obsidian so unique.

Are you interested in a particular topic about Rainbow Obsidian? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page. 

Is Rainbow Obsidian natural?

Yes. It’s a naturally occurring volcanic glass. And Rainbow kind is very rare too. Its most notable location is in Switzerland, in the Lepontine Alps. 

How is Rainbow Obsidian formed?

In general Obsidian forms in one the several ways: 

• along the edges of a volcanic dome (extrusive)
• where lava cools while airborne (extrusive)
• where lava contacts water (extrusive)
• around the edges of a sill or a dike (intrusive)
• along the edges of a lava flow (extrusive)

Rarely, Obsidian has that “sheen” caused by inclusions of mineral crystals. These colored stones are recognized as “Rainbow Obsidian,” “Silver Obsidian,” or “Golden Obsidian,” depending upon the color. 

Rainbow Obsidian meaning and properties

If you’re drawn to the Rainbow Obsidian stone, there may be something your spirit is ready to let go of. This stone reminds you that it could hurt right now, but you’re actually trying to get through it. 

Some of its benefits include the ability to cleanse and ground your aura and mind. 

This stone believed to allow you to feel hopeful, vigorous, and ready for change.

Rainbow Obsidian is said to lift depression by aiding us to focus our efforts on the present moment and future possibilities, rather than on the past.  

The energies of this stone will motivate you to be more open when it comes to trying out new experiences.

And, as is very common to any Obsidian, it is also a protective stone that is said to energetically defend you from emotional and psychological harm.

Metaphysical properties of Rainbow Obsidian

Rainbow Obsidian believed to act as a bridge between the dark and light places inside of us whenever we are ready to do important personal work. 

It resonates with the heart and root chakras but can be used to cleanse all the chakras. Throughout time, it also has been used to enhance clairvoyance.

Some legends would go as far as to claim that Nostradamus used Rainbow Obsidian to foresee all his predictions. 

Rainbow Obsidian healing properties

In physical healing, Rainbow Obsidian is thought to be useful when treating conditions of the heart. Rainbow Obsidian is known to be useful in unclogging any blockages and encourage better overall bodily functions.

Even more so, some healers used this stone to resolve issues related to the hardened arteries, broken bones, bruised muscles, and circulatory system. It is said to be an especially useful tool to ease general tension in the body.

How do you clean it, and why?

Practically any crystal, Rainbow Obsidian included, has a tendency to pick up all the energies very quickly and store it inside. Therefore sometimes it might be challenging to use the gems for your good unless you are cleaning it regularly.

You can clean Rainbow Obsidian with salty water. Just dissolve three tablespoons of salt in a half-gallon of water and put your gem in the water for 12 hours. 

Another cleansing method is using the sun or moonlight. And I personally find it more efficient since you not only cleansing your stone from all the stored energy but also “charging” it with positive energy. To use this way, just put your stone under the sun or moonlight for 6-12 hours. 

Rainbow Obsidian vs Black Obsidian

Rainbow Obsidian has a lot of things in common with the Black one. Like Black Obsidian, it clears and purifies the aura. Like all varieties of Obsidian, it is a stone of truth that shows us the nature of reality.

But while regular Obsidian can reveal the truth harshly, Rainbow Obsidian tells it more gently. So that we can more easily process and understand it.

It helps one take the journey to the root cause of emotional distress to resolve it, allowing us to heal gradually. 

How to use Rainbow Obsidian?

Wear it as a pendant whenever you feel sad, and it will make you less blue. Rainbow Obsidian gives you a dose of positive energy when you need a pick-me-upper. The more you wear it, the more gem’s power you will receive.

You can also put Rainbow Obsidian at home or at work to keep you energized, productive, vigorous, and motivated. Or use it as a meditation tool to receive assistance, wisdom, and deep healing from this crystal.

Rainbow Obsidian jewelry

 Rainbow Obsidian necklace

Rainbow Obsidian necklace by AmorWing. More details . 

This necklace has a good weight to it, not too heavy, not too light, you can feel the quality in these pendants. Not only is there such fantastic craftsmanship in the necklace, but with the string, and the packaging … it’s all so breath-taking. The pendant also features the Chinese lion-dragon-like symbol of wealth (Check my article about Pixiu for more details). 

Rainbow Obsidian bracelet

Rainbow Obsidian bracelet by Zenergy Gems. More details . 

This bracelet is stunning, and you’ll be surprised by a rainbow sheen. It’s so unique, in-person, and carries robust and protective energy.

Healers suggest carrying this crystal when you feel surrounded by negativity. Metaphysicians use these stones to keep their aura clear of imbalance, even in the presence of destructive energies.

Amazing piece that will keep you company and give you strength in the times you might need it the most. And the best thing about Zenergy Gems products – they always charge their crystals before delivering it. 

Rainbow Obsidian pendant

Rainbow Eye Obsidian pendant for AtPerry’s. More details here. 

This great little pendant features a gorgeous piece of Rainbow Obsidian, a highly grounding gem. If you feel like you don’t know which direction to take in your life this gem supposed to guide you. And with this pendant, it’s so easy to keep this terrific stone by your side all the time. 

Thanks for the blog graphics: Canva.com

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