Natural Black Obsidian Ping An Kou Protection Necklace

A Shape That Means "Come Home Safe"

The ping an kou is one of the oldest forms in Chinese jewelry: a plain disc with a round hole, echoing the shape of an ancient coin. Its name translates roughly to "peace buckle" — something you fasten on and carry with you, a small, wordless wish for a safe return.

There is no carving here, no figure, no face. Just a circle with an opening in it, which is exactly why the form has lasted. It has been worn across China and the Tibetan plateau for centuries, by people who wanted something simple to hold onto.

Three Obsidians, One Stone

All three variants are the same material. What changes is how the light meets it.

Black Obsidian

Deep, glassy, near-opaque. Obsidian is volcanic glass — rock that cooled too quickly to crystallize. Traditionally it is the stone people reach for when they want to stop carrying something: resentment, old anger, the residue of a hard season. Read it less as a shield and more as a drain, a way to let what has built up finally leave.

Gold Sheen Obsidian

The same glass, with a faint golden shimmer that only appears as it turns toward the light. In crystal tradition the gold sheen is treated as the warmer, steadier version — used less for cutting things away and more for restoring: vitality, clarity, the sense of being back in your own body.

Rainbow Obsidian

Fine magnetite inclusions catch the light and split it into blue, green, purple, or bronze. In ordinary room light the pendant reads as plain black. Hold it under a bright lamp and the surface blooms. It is the most literal reminder of what the stone is about: what looks like darkness from one angle carries color in it from another.

Materials & Specifications

Material: Natural obsidian (black / gold sheen / rainbow)

Finish: Polished by hand

Shape: Ping an kou — round disc, center opening

Diameter:30 mm

Thickness:6.5 mm

Weight: approx. 10 g

Cord: Hand-woven cord included — black

Style: Unisex

About Natural Variance

Each piece is cut from natural stone, so tone and sheen vary slightly from the photographs. Rainbow obsidian in particular appears solid black until it catches direct light — this is a property of the stone, not a flaw.

Wearing & Care

Obsidian is glass, and glass can chip. Remove the pendant before sleeping, showering, swimming, or any activity that puts it against a hard surface.

Wipe with a soft dry cloth. Keep it away from perfume, chlorine, and long exposure to direct sun.

Shipping Policy

Free tracked U.S. shipping on orders over $35. Orders are handled in 3–5 business days and typically arrive 7–15 business days after dispatch.

Return Policy

We want you to love your TaoThread piece. If you're not completely satisfied, you may return unworn items in their original, resalable condition within 30 days of delivery. To start a return, please email hwywz@caohua.com with your order number.