What on Earth Is Apache Tears Obsidian?

Apache Tears are small, translucent pebbles of obsidian, about 2 inches or less across, found in the southwestern US and parts of Mexico. They form when viscous lava cools rapidly, and they commonly occur in lava domes and ash-flow tuffs. In crystal lore they are a gentle protective stone, with a legend that gives them their name.

The Physical Properties of Apache Tears Obsidian

Made of silicon dioxide, the stone is considered a volcanic glass with a similar composition to Rhyolite. Having a glassy luster, raw Apache Tears Obsidian displays a conchoidal fracture and can have a jagged surface. The pebbles can appear black and opaque, but they are actually translucent when you hold them against a light.

In terms of hardness, they fall between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale. This means a knife blade can scratch them, so tumbled pebbles are best kept apart from harder stones.

The History of Apache Tears Obsidian

The stone got its name from a legend of the Native American Apache tribe. In the 1870s, it is believed that 75 Apache warriors fought with the US Cavalry on a mountain in Arizona. The Apaches were eventually trapped and outnumbered by the US Cavalry.

Rather than be killed in battle, the warriors rode their horses off the mountain to their deaths. Their demise caused sorrow to their loved ones left behind. When they learned of the tragedy, their wives and children mourned and cried hard for over a month.

Upon hitting ground, their tears turned into what we now know as Apache Tears Obsidian.

The Lore of Apache Tears Obsidian

Drawing from the stone's history, ancient lore holds that those who possess or hold an Apache Tear should never shed a tear again. It is because the women of Apache already cried enough tears for everyone who mourns.

It was also believed that carrying an Apache Tear will help one foresee danger before it could happen. In the same way the Apache warriors recognized their defeat before the US Cavalry and chose to die, someone who uses the stone will be granted wisdom in the face of a dire situation and be able to decide the right course of action to handle it.

Apache Tears Obsidian is also known in lore as the stone of facing struggles with grace and gentleness.

The Metaphysical Properties of Apache Tears Obsidian

Today, Apache Tears Obsidian is popular in crystal practice and meditation. These little obsidian stones are regarded as a gentle protective stone, traditionally carried against psychic attacks and conflict. People who work in fast-paced, competitive workplaces keep one in a pocket or on a desk as a reminder to guard their peace from the ill intentions of others. Browse more polished obsidian.

As a grounding stone, Apache Tears Obsidian is associated with staying rooted in positivity and with accepting grief as a natural part of human experience. In lore it is the stone of the empathetic ear for friends going through a rough patch.