Apache Tears
Apache tears are a type of volcanic glass, specifically a smooth, rounded form of obsidian. These small, pebble-like stones are usually black or dark-colored, and when held up to the light, they often appear translucent around the edges. Their surfaces are typically shiny and glass-like, though they can sometimes exhibit a more matte finish due to weathering.
These stones are formed from volcanic eruptions when hot lava is thrown into the air and cools quickly upon landing. The rapid cooling prevents crystallization, resulting in the natural glassy texture. Apache tears are relatively soft compared to crystalline minerals, with a Mohs hardness of about 5 to 5.5, making them somewhat delicate.
In folklore, particularly within Native American cultures, these stones are believed to bring comfort to the grieving, hence their poignant name. They are often used in jewelry and are popular among collectors for their unique appearance and the stories attached to them.
Classification: Variety of obsidian
Chemical Composition: SiO₂ with impurities (silicon dioxide)
Color: Smoky black to dark brown, translucent when held up to the light
Streak: White to gray
Hardness: 5-5.5 on the Mohs scale
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal
Luster: Vitreous to greasy
Transparency: Translucent to opaque
Crystal System: Amorphous
Formation and Geology: Apache tears are a type of volcanic glass formed from rapidly cooled lava. Unlike typical obsidian, which is uniformly glassy, Apache tears are naturally occurring rounded pebbles of obsidian. These rounded shapes are formed by the hydration of obsidian, which causes it to gel and contract, creating distinct, rounded masses embedded within a matrix of perlite (a form of volcanic glass with high water content).
Physical Properties: Apache tears are notable for their smooth, rounded shapes and the way they appear opaque until held to the light, revealing their translucency. This makes them unique among volcanic glasses, which are typically brittle and sharp-edged.
Identification Tips:
- Translucency: One of the key characteristics is their translucency when held against light, showing a smoky interior.
- Shape and Texture: They are generally smooth with a rounded, pebble-like shape.
- Fracture: Like other forms of obsidian, Apache tears exhibit a conchoidal fracture.
- Hardness: They can scratch softer materials but can be scratched by harder substances like glass.
Locations: Apache tears are most famously found in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona. They can also be found in other volcanic regions around the world.
Uses and Significance: Apache tears are collected as gemstones and are popular among hobbyists for jewelry-making due to their unique look and historical lore. They are also of interest in geological study due to their formation process. In metaphysical beliefs, Apache tears are said to help with grief and provide comfort and grounding.
