Judging quality
Naturally rounded with a slightly frosted skin; tumbled pieces are glossy all over. Genuine nodules are translucent when back-lit.
Volcanic glass
Apache Tears
Rounded nodules of obsidian weathered free from the white perlite that once enclosed them. Held to a light they glow smoky translucent brown at the edges.
Care
Glass. Keep from harder stones.
History & lore
The name comes from an Arizona legend of Apache women mourning warriors at Big Picacho; the story is widely repeated and of uncertain age.
Cultural history, recorded as tradition rather than as medical or scientific claim.
Common questions about Apache Tears
- What is Apache Tears?
- Rounded nodules of obsidian weathered free from the white perlite that once enclosed them. Held to a light they glow smoky translucent brown at the edges.
- How hard is Apache Tears and what is it made of?
- Apache Tears is a Volcanic glass-family mineral with the composition SiO2-rich glass. It crystallizes in the amorphous system and rates 5-5.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It occurs in black, brown, grey.
- Where does Apache Tears come from?
- Notable localities for Apache Tears include Arizona, USA (Superior), Nevada, USA, Mexico.
- How do you tell good Apache Tears from filler?
- Naturally rounded with a slightly frosted skin; tumbled pieces are glossy all over. Genuine nodules are translucent when back-lit.
- How do you care for Apache Tears?
- Glass. Keep from harder stones.
See it in person
Photographs only go so far
Both rooms are open six days a week, and there is always someone happy to pull pieces out of the case so you can compare them under the light.