Apache Tears

“Apache Tears” are rounded modules of obsidian glass that is(volcanic which are typically translucent to transparent, brown in colour and found near Superior, Pioneer District, Pinal Mountains, Pinal County, Arizona. They are generally found in a rhyolite/perlite that is grayish-white or found loose having been eroded from this matrix. Rhyolite is volcanic that is igneous extrusive) rock of felsic (silica-rich) structure. Apache Tears are available as rough modules while they are tumbled or discovered or polished and occasionally available as faceted gems. Gems are typically a medium brown colour with translucent (sleepy) to clarity that is clear.

The name “Apache Tears” originates from a legend of this Apache tribe: about 75 Apache warriors and the US Cavalry fought on a mountain overlooking what is now Superior, Arizona in the 1870s. Facing defeat, the outnumbered Apache warriors rode their horses off the mountain to their deaths instead of being killed by the soldiers. The wives and categories of the warriors cried if they been aware of the tragedy and their tears turned to stone upon hitting the floor.

 

Category: Natural Crystals & Minerals
Chemical Formula: 70 – 75% SiO2 + MgO, Fe3O4
Silicon Dioxide + Magnesium Oxide and/or Iron Oxide impurities
Crystal System: Amorphous
Color: Black
Mohs Hardness: 5-5.5