Obsidian is natural volcanic glass.

Rainbow Obsidian shares many of the qualities of Black Obsidian but can be lighter and gentler, enabling one to look within and address deep issues without feeling overwhelmed.

Black Obsidian has a very powerful energy which has a natural affinity with the Navel, Base and Earth Star Chakras. It connects us to Mother Earth and to the Fire at her core. It is deep, passionate, sensual and intense.

Obsidian takes us deep inside, to hidden places, and reveals that which needs to be released and that which needs to be owned and integrated. The deep, dark, velvet blackness can be a fearful place if the Shadow has not been addressed; alternatively it can be a place of peace, rest and recuperation.Obsidian is a wonderful shamanic tool, and Obsidian Mirrors have been used for millennia.

I have heard people describe Obsidian as a masculine energy, but for me it provides a wonderful tool for connecting to the Cosmic Void/Great Womb of Creation that is simultaneously total nothing and all potentials.

Obsidian is often described as grounding and protecting; and it is very useful in these ways when doing spiritual work and/or working shamanically. (For day to day grounding and protection, it is my opinion that Black Tourmaline or Hematite are more relevant.)