igneous

Apache Tear

Obsidian (Volcanic Glass), SiO2 + MgO, Fe3O4

Hardness: 5-5.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Black or dark smoky brown; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: Conchoidal fracture; Translucency: Translucent when held to light.

Hardness: 5-5
Color: Black or dark smoky brown
Luster: Vitreous/Glassy

Identified March 13, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from rhyolitic lava flows that cool rapidly, preventing crystal growth. They are typically found embedded in a grayish-white perlite matrix. Most Western US specimens date from the Late Cenozoic Era.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry making (beads, pendants), as metaphysical healing stones, and in flint knapping for arrowheads or surgical-grade blades.

Geological facts

According to legend, the stones were formed from the tears of Apache women mourning warriors who leaped from a cliff to avoid capture by cavalry; it is said that whoever possesses one will never need to cry again.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by their rounded, pebble-like shape within perlite deposits. When held up to a bright light source, they reveal a smoky, translucent brown or gray interior. Common in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico.

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Basalt (extrusive igneous rock) or Diabase (intrusive igneous rock - also known as Dolerite), largely composed of plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene (augite), and sometimes olivine and amphibole. Exact mineralogy would require thin section analysis.

Igneous

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Iron(II,III) oxide (Fe3O4)

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Magnetite

Magnetite (Fe3O4)

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