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Mahogany Obsidian

Photo: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Mahogany Obsidian

Volcanic glass swirled black and red-brown by iron – an earthy, grounding variety of obsidian.

  • ColourBlack, Red-brown
  • Mineral groupVolcanic glass (mineraloid)
  • ChemistryMostly SiO₂ with iron oxides
  • Hardness (Mohs)5–5.5
  • Crystal systemAmorphous
  • Where it's foundMexico, USA (Oregon, Utah)
  • ChakraRoot, Sacral
  • ZodiacLibra, Scorpio

What is Mahogany Obsidian?

Mahogany obsidian is natural volcanic glass with red-brown swirls and patches caused by iron minerals (hematite or magnetite) mixed in with the black glass. Like all obsidian, it formed when lava cooled too quickly for crystals to grow.

Mahogany Obsidian astrology & birthstone

  • Zodiac signsLibra, Scorpio
  • Ruling planetPluto
  • ElementEarth
  • Birthstone month—

Zodiac, planet and element links come from crystal-lore traditions and vary between authors. Birthstone months follow the American Gem Society list.

Mahogany Obsidian meaning & traditional properties

Crystal traditions associate mahogany obsidian with grounding, strength and a gentler form of obsidian's protective energy.

  • Grounding
  • Strength
  • Protection

Traditional and metaphysical properties are shared for cultural and educational interest. Crystals are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

How to use Mahogany Obsidian

  • Carry a tumbled piece for steady strength.
  • Keep it near the entrance of your home.

How to care for Mahogany Obsidian

Can chip and has sharp broken edges. Clean with water and a soft cloth.

Shop Mahogany Obsidian

Hand-picked mahogany obsidian crystals and jewellery from our Paralimni workshop.

Rituals & pairings

Pair Mahogany Obsidian with a protection & cleansing ritual

A traditional cleansing ritual for resetting your space and feeling protected.

Traditionally paired with: White sage or palo santo smudge sticks · Dragon's blood, frankincense or myrrh incense · A white or black candle

  • Open a window, then light a white sage or palo santo stick and let it smoulder.
  • Gently waft the smoke around your crystal and through the room, corners first.
  • Light a white candle and place your crystal beside it while you set a simple intention, such as "This space is calm and protected".
  • Finish with frankincense or dragon's blood incense and let it burn down safely.

Safety: never leave candles, incense or smudge sticks burning unattended, keep them away from children, pets and anything flammable, and ventilate the room. Rituals are shared as tradition, not as a treatment.

Ritual oils, essential oils & perfumes

Deepen your practice: tarot & oracle cards

Wear it & work with it

Mahogany Obsidian jewellery & pendulums

Mahogany Obsidian FAQs

What makes mahogany obsidian red?

Iron minerals such as hematite within the glass.

Related crystals

  • Black Obsidian
    In our shop

    Black Obsidian

    Natural volcanic glass with razor-sharp edges – a classic protective, grounding stone.

  • Snowflake Obsidian

    Snowflake Obsidian

    Black volcanic glass scattered with white 'snowflakes' of cristobalite – a stone of balance and perspective.

  • Red Jasper
    In our shop

    Red Jasper

    Brick-red jasper coloured by iron, used in ancient Egyptian amulets – a crystal lore stone of stamina.

  • Smoky Quartz
    In our shop

    Smoky Quartz

    Brown to smoky-grey quartz darkened by natural radiation – Scotland's national gem and a grounding stone.

Sources