Fact Check: Is Obsidian safe?

Is Obsidian Safe?

The claim in question revolves around the safety of obsidian, a naturally occurring volcanic glass often used in jewelry, tools, and as a decorative stone. The inquiry into its safety encompasses both health implications associated with its physical properties and potential hazards related to its use in various applications.

What We Know

Health Hazards: According to a safety data sheet (SDS) from Pacific Union College, obsidian is not classified as hazardous, and no toxicological effects are noted in its natural state. The document states that there are no known hazardous decomposition products associated with obsidian [1].
Standard Reference Material: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides a safety data sheet for a finely powdered form of obsidian, indicating its use in analytical methods and calibration. However, it does not specifically address health risks associated with its use [2].
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): A separate MSDS from Compac indicates that obsidian may pose risks when inhaled, categorizing it as a potential carcinogen and noting specific target organ toxicity with single exposure [5]. This suggests that while obsidian itself may not be inherently dangerous, its powdered form could pose health risks during handling.
Cultural and Metaphysical Claims: Various sources, including a blog on crystal properties, discuss the metaphysical aspects of black obsidian, suggesting it has protective qualities. However, these claims are largely anecdotal and lack scientific backing [7].
Obsidian Software: It is important to note that "Obsidian" also refers to a popular note-taking software. The safety of this software is unrelated to the mineral itself and is instead a matter of data security and user privacy, which are not addressed in the context of the mineral's safety [3][4][8].

Analysis

The available sources present a mixed picture regarding the safety of obsidian. The SDS from Pacific Union College [1] and the NIST document [2] provide a foundation for understanding the mineral's safety in its natural form. However, the Compac MSDS [5] raises concerns about inhalation risks, suggesting that while handling powdered obsidian, safety precautions should be taken to avoid respiratory exposure.

Source Reliability

Pacific Union College: This source appears credible as it is an educational institution providing safety data sheets. However, the context of the data sheet's creation and its intended audience should be considered.
NIST: As a reputable government agency, NIST's documentation is generally reliable, but it focuses on the material's use in analytical contexts rather than health implications.
Compac: The MSDS from Compac raises potential health concerns but should be scrutinized for bias, as it is produced by a company that may have a vested interest in emphasizing safety risks to promote proper handling of their products.
That’s My Crystal: This source discusses metaphysical properties and side effects but lacks scientific rigor. It is essential to recognize that such claims are often subjective and not based on empirical evidence.

Methodological Considerations

The claims regarding health risks associated with obsidian, particularly in its powdered form, require further investigation. It would be beneficial to have peer-reviewed studies that specifically address the health effects of obsidian exposure in various forms. Additionally, more comprehensive data on the long-term effects of handling obsidian, particularly in occupational settings, would provide clearer insights.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly True

The evidence suggests that obsidian, in its natural state, is generally safe and not classified as hazardous. However, concerns arise regarding the inhalation of powdered obsidian, which may pose health risks, including potential carcinogenic effects. The safety data sheets from credible sources like Pacific Union College and NIST support the notion that natural obsidian is safe, while the Compac MSDS highlights the risks associated with its powdered form.

It is important to note that the claims regarding metaphysical properties of obsidian lack scientific validation and should be approached with skepticism. The mixed findings regarding health risks indicate that while obsidian itself is mostly safe, precautions should be taken when handling its powdered form.

Limitations in the available evidence include a lack of comprehensive studies specifically addressing the health effects of obsidian exposure and potential biases in the sources discussing safety. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider both scientific evidence and anecdotal claims when assessing the safety of obsidian.