Apache Tears (variety of Obsidian)
Current inventory:  0 gems
 

  
Apache Tears are named from a legend of the Apache tribe. Apache wives and families cried when they heard of the deaths of the warriors from their tribe and their tears turned to stone upon hitting the ground.

Discovery date unknown; IMA status: Not Valid (trade name)

Chemistry

Chemical Formula:

70 - 75% SiO₂ + MgO, Fe₃O₄

Silicon Dioxide + Magnesium Oxide and/or Iron Oxide impurities

More Information

Apache Tears are a variety of Obsidian.
For more information please see the Obsidian information page.
 

Type Locality:

Superior, Pioneer District, Pinal Mountains, Pinal County, Arizona
 

View mineral photos:

Apache Tears Mineral Photos and Locations
 

Additional Information: 

Mindat.org  (Apache Tears)
Mindat.org  (Obsidian)

"Apache Tears" are rounded nodules of Obsidian (volcanic glass) which are typically translucent to transparent, brown in color and found near Superior, Pioneer District, Pinal Mountains, Pinal County, Arizona. They are often found in a grayish-white rhyolite/perlite matrix or found loose having been eroded from this matrix. Rhyolite is an igneous volcanic (extrusive) rock of felsic (silica-rich) composition. Apache Tears are generally available as rough nodules as they are found or tumbled or polished and occassionally available as faceted gems. Gems are typically a medium brown color with translucent (sleepy) to transparent clarity.

The name "Apache Tears" comes from a legend of the 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 rather than be killed by the soldiers. The wives and families of the warriors cried when they heard of the tragedy and their tears turned to stone upon hitting the ground.
 

  
Apache Tears gems for sale:

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