Gold Sheen Obsidian and Its Golden Shimmer

What is gold sheen obsidian?

Gold sheen obsidian, also sold as golden sheen obsidian, is a variety of black obsidian, the natural volcanic glass formed when silica-rich lava cools. What sets it apart: turn it in the light and a shimmering golden veil rises to the surface, like an inner glow floating just beneath the black.

That sheen behaves very differently from an ordinary inclusion: it moves with your viewing angle, giving each stone a presence that feels almost alive. Gemmologists call this a sheen or schiller effect.

Where does the golden sheen come from?

Contrary to what you'll sometimes read, the gold in gold sheen obsidian is not actual gold. It comes from microscopic gas bubbles and very fine inclusions, aligned into parallel layers as the lava cooled.

When light passes through the stone it diffracts across those fine layers and produces the shimmering veil, stronger or fainter depending on the angle. The finer and more regular the layers, the brighter the gold. For more on how this stone forms in the first place, see my article on how obsidian is formed.

Gold sheen obsidian properties in crystal healing

In crystal healing tradition, gold sheen obsidian has a reputation as a stone that is both protective and solar. It's said to share the underlying qualities of black obsidian, protection, grounding, truth, but with an energy described as gentler and more confident, thanks to that golden sheen.

The properties usually attributed to it:

• self-confidence: it's often described as a stone that helps you stand tall, take the leap, claim your place;
• releasing old fears: it's said to accompany periods of transformation and honest self-appraisal;
• abundance and clarity: through its golden glow, it's traditionally linked to prosperity and personal presence;
• energetic protection: like every obsidian, it's seen as a soft shield against heavy energies;
• gentle grounding: a less blunt protection than pure black obsidian, more enveloping.

For more on the properties of the obsidian family as a whole, have a read of my article on obsidian as a stone of protection and grounding.

Chakras and energy

Gold sheen obsidian is traditionally associated with two chakras:

• the root chakra (Muladhara), at the base of the body, through its obsidian nature, tied to safety, stability and being rooted;
• the solar plexus chakra (Manipura), through its golden glow, tied to self-esteem, will, and a sense of personal power.

That double association is why it's so often suggested for stretches when you need both to feel solid (root) and to find your momentum again (solar plexus). It's what makes it such a well-loved stone for personal work.

Associated star signs

In crystal healing, gold sheen obsidian is traditionally associated with several star signs whose energies are said to resonate with the stone:

• Sagittarius: for its momentum, its search for meaning and its need for freedom;
• Capricorn: for its determination, its grounding and its sense of responsibility;
• Scorpio: for its relationship with introspection and inner transformation.

That said, choosing a stone never comes down to your star sign alone: crystal healing invites you above all to choose the one you feel spontaneously drawn to.

How to wear gold sheen obsidian

Gold sheen obsidian is worn day to day, like any obsidian. What changes is its relationship with light: to make the most of that golden veil you want it visible, somewhere movement can reveal the shimmer.

• as a bracelet: my favourite format for this stone, the wrist is always moving and keeps the glow playing;
• as a necklace or pendant: near the solar plexus, in tune with its chakra of choice;
• as a ring: ideal for keeping it in view, like a small solar reminder.

Tradition has you wear the stone on your left wrist to receive its energy, on the right to shield outwards. Choose whichever sits right with you.

My gold sheen obsidian jewellery

Every piece of gold sheen obsidian jewellery I make is handmade, with natural stones chosen one by one for the quality of their golden sheen. The pieces below are available in the shop and posted to Australia:

Mineral data sheet

Nature

Natural volcanic glass (mineraloid, amorphous)

Colour

Black with a shimmering golden veil

Composition

Silicon dioxide (SiO₂) with traces of iron and magnesium

Hardness (Mohs)

Around 5 to 5.5

Structure

Amorphous (no crystal lattice)

Geological origin

Volcanic rock, formed as silica-rich lava cools

Main deposits

Mexico (chiefly), United States, South America, Armenia

Chakras

Root and solar plexus

Star signs

Sagittarius, Capricorn, Scorpio

Caring for and cleansing gold sheen obsidian

Like every obsidian, gold sheen obsidian is a volcanic glass and wants handling gently. For physical care, dust, shine, a soft cloth is plenty, and you'll want to steer clear of salt, knocks and harsh products. I set it all out in my guide to cleaning your obsidian.

For energetic cleansing (in the crystal healing sense), smoke and moonlight are gentle methods that suit it particularly well; the detail is in my article on cleansing and charging your obsidian.

Frequently asked questions