igneous
Apache Tear
Hydrated Obsidian (Volcanic Glass)
Hardness: 5 to 5.5 Mohs. Color: Deep black to translucent smoky brown when held to light. Luster: Vitreous/glassy. Crystal structure: Amorphous. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 2.35.
- Hardness
- 5 to 5
- Color
- Deep black to translucent smoky brown when held to light
- Luster
- Vitreous/glassy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5 to 5.5 Mohs. Color: Deep black to translucent smoky brown when held to light. Luster: Vitreous/glassy. Crystal structure: Amorphous. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 2.35.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the rapid cooling of silica-rich rhyolitic lava that enters water or cold air, preventing crystallization. Often found embedded in perlite matrix from the Tertiary or Quaternary periods.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in jewelry as pendants or tumbled stones. Highly valued in metaphysical collecting for its purported grounding and grief-healing properties.
Geological facts
Legend says the stones were formed from the tears of Apache women mourning warriors who leaped from a cliff to avoid capture by US Cavalry at Big Picket Post Mountain in Arizona.
Field identification & locations
Identify by holding to a strong light source; genuine Apache Tears will show transparency and a smoky amber hue despite appearing solid black. Found frequently in the American Southwest, particularly Arizona and New Mexico.
