igneous
Apache Tear
Obsidian (Natural volcanic glass)
Hardness: 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale; Color: Dark brown to translucent black; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: Approximately 2.35 to 2.40.
- Hardness
- 5 to 5
- Color
- Dark brown to translucent black
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale; Color: Dark brown to translucent black; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: Approximately 2.35 to 2.40.
Formation & geological history
Formed from rapidly cooling felsic lava (silica-rich volcanic glass) that often occurs as small rounded pebbles within perlite deposits, typically originating from volcanic activity millions of years ago.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in lapidary work, jewelry (tumbled and polished into beads or cabochons), crystal healing, and mineral collecting.
Geological facts
According to Native American folklore, Apache Tears are said to be the petrified tears of Apache women who wept for warriors who died in a tragic battle near Superior, Arizona.
Field identification & locations
Found commonly in the western United States, particularly around Superior, Arizona and various volcanic regions in Nevada and Utah. It appears opaque black or dark brown in normal light, but translucent brown when held up to a bright light source.
