Can Black Obsidian Go In Water? [Quick Answer]

I love cleansing my crystals with water, as it’s one of the best ways to ground negative energy back to earth.

Unfortunately, black obsidian should not be cleansed in water.

An occasional water cleanse probably won’t cause harm. But repeated exposure or long cleansing sessions could damage the gemstone’s surface.

Can Black Obsidian Go In Water?

No, black obsidian should not be placed in water. This gemstone has a Mohs hardness score of 5-5.5, which is less than the required rating of 6 to be water-safe.

However, black obsidian is almost hard enough to be water-safe. In fact, some crystal healers suggest using water as a cleansing method for this gemstone, despite its relatively soft nature.

Even so, I don’t recommend cleansing black obsidian in water. There are many cleansing methods that are completely safe, so it’s not worth the risk of damaging your stone.

It’s also very important to avoid leaving the crystal in water for long periods. The more time black obsidian is submerged in water, the more likely it is for damage to occur.

Why Hot Water is Particularly Dangerous for Black Obsidian

As I mentioned in the previous section, black obsidian is a natural form of glass that’s created from volcanic lava.

Like regular glass, it may crack if suddenly exposed to large temperature changes. Hot or cold temperatures can also cause this crystal to become brittle.

So, if you’re planning to use water to cleanse black obsidian, make sure it’s at room temperature.

Can Black Obsidian Go In Salt Water?

No, you shouldn’t place black obsidian in salt water. This crystal isn’t water-safe even in fresh water, but salt is corrosive and more likely to damage the stone’s surface.

You should also avoid placing black obsidian in a bowl of salt to cleanse it (many people use Himalayan salt for this). Salt can cause the stone to become brittle over time.

Should You Shower With Black Obsidian?

Showering with black obsidian could damage your crystal. Hot water may cause the gemstone to crack, while the powerful stream from modern showers could cause surface damage.

How Should You Cleanse Black Obsidian Without Water?

While you should avoid water cleansing, there are many alternative methods for removing negative energy from black obsidian.

This is important, as black obsidian is a protective stone that absorbs a lot of negative energy. It needs to be cleansed regularly to get rid of these energies and restore its healing power.

Here are my favourite methods for cleansing black obsidian:

• Moonlight. Moonlight is a gentle cleansing method that doesn’t risk damaging your crystal. Simply place your stone on a natural surface and leave it overnight in a location that gets direct moonlight. Remember to cover your crystal with a glass bowl if it might rain.
• Smudging. To cleanse your crystal using smudging, hold it in the smoke of smouldering dried herbs or smudging sticks for 30-60 seconds. Make sure to use a fire-proof container and maintain an intention to cleanse.

What Are the Healing Properties of Black Obsidian?

Black obsidian’s volcanic origins make it a powerful healing stone. It’s also linked with the earth, fire, and water elements, giving it both protective and grounding properties.

Protect Against Negative Energy

Black obsidian is one of the most powerful stones for protection. It’s brilliant for grounding negative energy to the earth and removing negativity from your auric field.

This is also a wonderful crystal for empaths, as it protects against other people’s negativity and provides a barrier against energy vampires.

Assist With Manifestation

As black obsidian is protective stone, it can shield against limiting beliefs that hold you back.

These beliefs can often be a barrier to manifestation. Keep black obsidian nearby when manifesting to reduce the chance of these beliefs interfering with the process.

Coping With Grief

Black obsidian is thought to absorb grief. It can also guide you through the most difficult times and bring you closer to a point of acceptance.

However, it’s important to regularly cleanse black obsidian if you’re grieving. I recommend daily cleansing during these times to release unwanted energies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Black Obsidian Go In Sunlight?

Yes, black obsidian can be placed in direct sunlight for short periods. The dark colour reflects sunlight and minimises the chances of fading.

I don’t recommend leaving any crystal in direct sunlight regularly or for long periods though. Over time, intense sunlight may cause surface damage, brittleness, or fading.

Where Should You Place Black Obsidian In The Home?

Black obsidian is a protective stone, so I like to place it by my front door to act as a negative energy filter. Placing small black obsidian gemstones above doorframes or on windowsills has a similar effect.

Alternatively, if you have trouble sleeping, then black obsidian in the bedroom can provide emotional and spiritual protection throughout the night. It may even help to prevent bad dreams.

For more examples, read my guide to where to place black obsidian in the home.

Summary

Black obsidian isn’t suitable for getting wet. It only rates at 5-5.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, which is below the minimum of 6 required for water safety.

This crystal also shouldn’t be placed in salt water or worn during a shower. It’s safe to put black obsidian in sunlight for short periods though.

Do you have any questions about whether black obsidian can get wet? Please let me know in the comments section.