igneous
Apache Tear
Obsidian (Hydrated Volcanic Glass) - SiO2 (with impurities)
Hardness: 5-5.5 (Mohs); Color: Translucent smoky black to dark brown; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.35-2.6
- Hardness
- 5-5
- Color
- Translucent smoky black to dark brown
- Luster
- Vitreous/Glassy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-5.5 (Mohs); Color: Translucent smoky black to dark brown; 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. These rounded nodules are often found embedded in a grayish perlite matrix. They represent remnants of obsidian that didn't fully hydrate into perlite over time.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in lapidary work for jewelry (beads/pendants), as a healing stone in metaphysical practices, and as a popular specimen for rock collectors.
Geological facts
Legend states that the stone was formed from the tears of grieving Apache women after a group of Apache warriors chose to leap to their deaths from a cliff rather than face capture by the US Cavalry in the 1870s.
Field identification & locations
Identify by holding to a strong light; unlike solid black obsidian, an Apache Tear will be translucent. They are commonly found in the American Southwest (Arizona and Nevada). Look for rounded, glassy 'pebbles' within crumbling gray perlite beds.
