igneous
Obsidian (Apache Tear)
Obsidian (Amorphous Volcanic Glass / SiO2 with impurities)
Hardness: 5-5.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Black, smoky translucent when held to light; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.6
- Hardness
- 5-5
- Color
- Black, smoky translucent when held to light
- Luster
- Vitreous/Glassy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-5.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Black, smoky translucent when held to light; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.6
Formation & geological history
Formed through the rapid cooling of silicious lava (rhyolitic composition) which prevents crystal growth. Apache tears specifically are rounded nodules of obsidian found within a grayish perlite matrix. Most Western US specimens range from Cenozoic to Holocene in age.
Uses & applications
Used in jewelry (especially silver wire-wrapped pendants), crystal healing practices, and collected as lapidary specimens. Historically used by indigenous people for small scrapers or arrowheads.
Geological facts
Legend claims these stones were formed from the tears of Apache women mourning warriors who jumped to their deaths rather than be captured by the US Cavalry. Scientifically, they are 'obsidian cores' remaining after the surrounding perlite has hydrated and weathered away.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by their rounded, water-worn pebble appearance often embedded in light-colored perlite. They appear jet black but become transparent or smoky when held against a strong light source. Commonly found in the American Southwest (Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico).
