Obsidian
The obsidian is a dark natural glass formed by the quick cooling of lava. It is translucent, hard and fractures in sharp edges, thus making it useful in the production of blades both in prehistoric times and in modern ones. Contrary to metal blades, in fact, obsidian blades can reach a perfect edge even under microscopic exam.
Obsidian is considered, in Onfalu - S'ard land, a protective material against malignant influxes.
Its blackness is thought to absorb malefic energies and curses as well as it absorbs light.
In fact, someone considers the warming of the obsidian when exposed to the sun a sign that it's actively attracting negative energy on itself, thus protecting the person who's carrying it.
Traditionally, obsidian is shaped in a bead and mounted between two little cups of silver filigree.
This little pendant, known as koccu, is gifted by godmothers to babies or, as often, to brides. It can be worn as a pendant in a necklace or attached to a pin and worn on clothes.
Another way the obsidian is commonly used, is in association with coral for the crafting of rosaries.
The association of the two materials, both considered powerful protections, and the prayer to the Holy Mother, is thought by the S'ards to be one of the most powerful combinations against bad luck and intentions.
Some people believe that when an obsidian bead or a koccu breaks, it has ended its functions, protecting the wearer from a great evil.
It is a matter of debate if it must be replaced then or not. The best Onfalu's obsidian can be found on the Mount Arci, the remain of an ancient volcano that went dormant in the ancient times.
In Pau, one of the villages on its slopes, there is a school of crafters dedicated to obsidian jewelry and a coven of Istrias and Janas that are particularly versed in protective enchantments and charms.
Obsidian is considered, in Onfalu - S'ard land, a protective material against malignant influxes.
Its blackness is thought to absorb malefic energies and curses as well as it absorbs light.
In fact, someone considers the warming of the obsidian when exposed to the sun a sign that it's actively attracting negative energy on itself, thus protecting the person who's carrying it.
Traditionally, obsidian is shaped in a bead and mounted between two little cups of silver filigree.
This little pendant, known as koccu, is gifted by godmothers to babies or, as often, to brides. It can be worn as a pendant in a necklace or attached to a pin and worn on clothes.
Another way the obsidian is commonly used, is in association with coral for the crafting of rosaries.
The association of the two materials, both considered powerful protections, and the prayer to the Holy Mother, is thought by the S'ards to be one of the most powerful combinations against bad luck and intentions.
Some people believe that when an obsidian bead or a koccu breaks, it has ended its functions, protecting the wearer from a great evil.
It is a matter of debate if it must be replaced then or not. The best Onfalu's obsidian can be found on the Mount Arci, the remain of an ancient volcano that went dormant in the ancient times.
In Pau, one of the villages on its slopes, there is a school of crafters dedicated to obsidian jewelry and a coven of Istrias and Janas that are particularly versed in protective enchantments and charms.
Historical significance
Onfalu's obsidian has been one of the most exported materials from the region since prehistoric times. Examples of Onfalu's obsidian have been found all around the Mediterranean sea and beyond, in form of arrows and knives. Nowadays it is mostly exported as jewelry but is also considered one of the best kind of obsidian for the production of scalpel blades and its powder is used in the internal market for the production of magical concoctions.
Type
Glass
Color
Usually black or very dark grey. Elsewhere in the world it can be found in reddish colour or in black with lighter inclusions, but not in Onfalu.
by Sailko
I love the idea that it has protected its owner from a great evil if it breaks.I also love the image of obsidian and coral rosaries. They must be so beautiful.