Gold Sheen Obsidian and Its Golden Glow

What is gold sheen obsidian?

Gold sheen obsidian, also sold as golden sheen obsidian, is a variety of black obsidian, the natural volcanic glass born when very silica-rich lava cools. Its particularity: turn it in the light and a shimmering golden veil appears, like an inner glow floating beneath the black surface.

That glow is quite different from a simple inclusion: it moves with the viewing angle, giving each stone an almost living presence. This is what is known as the sheen effect, or chatoyancy.

Where does the golden sheen come from?

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

When light passes through the stone it is diffracted by those fine layers, producing the shimmering veil, more or less intense depending on the angle. The finer and more regular the layers, the brighter the gold. To learn more about how this stone comes about, see my article on how obsidian is formed.

Gold sheen obsidian properties in crystal healing

In the crystal healing tradition, gold sheen obsidian is said to be a stone that is at once protective and solar. It is thought to share the underlying qualities of black obsidian, protection, grounding, truth, but with an energy described as gentler and more confident, thanks to its golden sheen.

It is generally credited with:

• self-confidence: it is often described as a stone that helps you stand tall, take a chance, claim your place;
• letting go of old fears: it is said to accompany periods of transformation and inner stocktaking;
• abundance and clarity: through its golden glow, it is traditionally associated with prosperity and personal radiance;
• energetic protection: like every obsidian, it is seen as a gentle shield against heavy energies;
• gentle grounding: a less blunt protection than black obsidian, more enveloping.

For more on the properties of the obsidian family, you can also read 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, linked to safety, stability and being rooted;
• the solar plexus chakra (Manipura), through its golden glow, linked to self-esteem, will, and a sense of personal power.

That double association explains why it is often suggested for periods when you need both to feel solid (root) and to find your momentum again (plexus). It is 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 enjoy the golden veil fully, you'll want it visible, somewhere movement can reveal its glow.

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

By tradition, the stone is readily worn on the left wrist to receive its energy, and on the right to shield yourself outwards. It's for each of us to choose by feel.

My gold sheen obsidian jewellery

Here, every piece of gold sheen obsidian jewellery is made by hand, with natural stones chosen one by one for the quality of their golden sheen. The pieces below are available in the shop:

Mineral profile

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 by the cooling of silica-rich lava

Main deposits

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

Chakras

Root and solar plexus

Star signs

Sagittarius, Capricorn, Scorpio

How to clean and cleanse gold sheen obsidian

Like every obsidian, gold sheen obsidian is a volcanic glass to be handled gently. For physical care, dust, shine, a soft cloth is enough, and you should avoid salt, knocks and harsh products. I set it all out in my guide to cleaning 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