Apache Tears
Volcanic glass (amorphous SiO2), a form of obsidian
Rounded nodules of translucent obsidian, named after a Native American legend, that glow smoky brown when held to light.
- Mohs hardness
- 5-5.5
- Color
- translucent smoky black to brown, occasionally grey
- Type
- igneous
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Overview
Apache Tears are small, rounded nodules of obsidian (natural volcanic glass) that appear black but reveal a translucent smoky brown or grey color when held to light. They are a specific form of obsidian known mineralogically as marekanite.
The name comes from a Native American legend in which the tears of grieving Apache women turned to stone. The nodules are typically found weathered out of grey, ashy perlite deposits.
Like all obsidian they are amorphous glass with conchoidal fracture, prized in their natural rounded form and as tumbled stones.
Formation & geology
Apache Tears form within beds of perlite, a hydrated volcanic glass. When silica-rich lava cools rapidly, it solidifies into obsidian glass; over time much of the surrounding glass absorbs water and alters into chalky grey perlite, but the denser, less hydrated cores resist this change.
These resistant cores remain as rounded nodules of true obsidian embedded in the perlite. Weathering and erosion release them as the softer perlite breaks down. They are found in volcanic regions of the southwestern United States, notably Arizona, and in Mexico.
How to identify it
Identify Apache Tears by their rounded, pebble-like shape, glassy luster, and a body that looks black but transmits smoky brown light at the edges or when backlit. Hardness is about 5-5.5, so they scratch with a steel file.
They show conchoidal (curved, shell-like) fracture typical of glass and feel smooth. Their streak is white.
Distinguish them from black tourmaline (harder, crystalline) and from jet (lighter, warm to the touch, brown streak). The key test is translucency to smoky brown light through an otherwise dark, glassy nodule.
Uses & significance
Apache Tears are popular as tumbled stones, beads, and pendants, valued for their natural rounded shape and translucent glow. They are inexpensive and widely sold to collectors and crafters.
Because they are obsidian, they have historically been knapped for sharp edges, though their small size limits this.
Metaphysically they are regarded as comforting, grounding stones said to ease grief and offer protection, reflecting the legend behind their name, though such uses are not scientifically supported.
Frequently asked questions
What are Apache Tears made of?
They are obsidian, a natural volcanic glass of amorphous silica, occurring as rounded nodules called marekanite.
Why do Apache Tears look black but glow brown?
The glass is actually a translucent smoky brown; thick nodules appear black, but light passes through thin edges as warm brown.
Where are Apache Tears found?
They weather out of perlite deposits in volcanic regions, especially Arizona in the southwestern US, and parts of Mexico.
How hard are Apache Tears?
They rate about 5-5.5 on the Mohs scale, like other obsidian, and can be scratched by a steel knife.
Apache Tears guides
In-depth guides for identifying, valuing, and understanding Apache Tears.
Apache Tears identified by the community
Real specimens identified with Rock Identifier.
