igneous

Obsidian (Apache Tear)

Volcanic Glass (Amorphous Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

Hardness: 5-5.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Black to smoky translucent; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.35-2.6

Hardness: 5-5
Color: Black to smoky translucent
Luster: Vitreous/Glassy

Identified March 28, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5-5.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Black to smoky translucent; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.35-2.6

Formation & geological history

Formed from the rapid cooling of silica-rich rhyolitic lava. 'Apache Tears' are specifically rounded sub-types found within perlite matrices. They range from Tertiary to Quaternary in geological age.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry (cabochons), as metaphysical 'healing' stones, and historically for surgical-grade sharp blades. Highly popular among rockhound collectors.

Geological facts

Legend says they were formed from the tears of family members mourning Apache warriors who leaped to their deaths from a cliff to avoid capture by cavalry. They are technically a liquid that cooled so fast it never crystallized.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by their smooth, rounded shape and translucency when held up to a bright light. Commonly found in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico (USA) often embedded in grey, crumbly perlite.

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Magnetite (Fe3O4)

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