Why is it called Apache Tears?

The name "Apache tear" comes from a legend of the Apache tribe: about 75 Apaches 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.

Is obsidian and Apache Tears the same?

Apache Tear is really a sub-group or type of obsidian; essentially the same stone, both made of volcanic glass and black in color. However, Apache Tears are black obsidian that formed by being thrown up into the air giving them a much less glassy & more rough appearance.

What is Apache Tears made of?

Apache Tear Drop is a form of black obsidian. It is a calming translucent stone, found in Arizona and other parts of the U.S. It is composed of feldspar, hornblende, biotite and quartz.

How do you know if Apache Tears are real?

Each “Apache Tear” lump will have an uneven coating of perlite clinging to it after being pried or dug from a mass of perlite. Tumbling and polishing will reveal a shiny glass pebble that may be black or smoky in color. Hold the “Tear” to the light to see how translucent it is.

Are Apache Tears see through?

Obsidian, like any glass, just is not stable. However, the process of breakdown takes many, many years, so you will be safe wearing them. Most people who are unacquainted with Apache Tears are amazed to learn that light can be viewed through them.

What Are Apache Tears?

How do you clean raw Apache Tears?

Fill with water to just below the top of the rocks. Tumble for seven days. Burnish If Needed: Apache tears usually take a great polish.

How do you shine Apache Tears?

For tumbling whole Apache tears, run four or five days. For broken pieces of obsidian tumble for seven days and inspect. Tumble longer if needed. Step 2: Two Tablespoons of fine grit (500 or 600) per pound of rock and ceramics, enough water to cover the rocks, tumble for four or five days.

Where can I dig Apache tears in Arizona?

Experience this 1.9-mile out-and-back trail near Superior, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.

Where do I collect Apache tears?

The Fish Lake Valley, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains on the Nevada/California border is said to be a great site to find scattered Apache Tears. East of Boundary Peak, several miles southwest of the Coaldale Junction, the dry Fish Lake Valley is almost entirely on BLM land and open to exploring.

Which is better black tourmaline or black obsidian?

Black Tourmaline transmutes negative energies and doesn't need to be cleaned, unlike black obsidian. Tourmaline acts as an enhancer so it's grounding energy, although powerful, isn't so heavy energy-wise. Obsidian is another powerful dark stone.

What do Apache tears symbolize?

Apache Tear Obsidian Crystal Meaning:

They hold the strength and solidarity of a group of women moving through adverse times to continue on as brave mothers and grandmothers of the Earth, despite their grief and loss.

Does obsidian exist?

obsidian, igneous rock occurring as a natural glass formed by the rapid cooling of viscous lava from volcanoes. Obsidian is extremely rich in silica (about 65 to 80 percent), is low in water, and has a chemical composition similar to rhyolite.

Is obsidian the same as jet?

Obsidian is heavier than Jet. Although both are fairly lightweight, Jet is the lighter of the two.

Which is more expensive onyx or obsidian?

Overall, onyx tends to be paired with expensive materials like gold, platinum and diamonds and many vintage pieces can be found on the market, all of which adds to its value. Obsidian is generally less expensive and less valuable than onyx.

Is onyx stronger than obsidian?

Black onyx: This relatively durable jewel features a 6.5-7 rating on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. That makes timeless onyx ring perfect pick for spicing up your celebratory attires. Obsidian: This gemstone is slightly less durable and has a 5 out of 10 rating on the Mohs scale.

Which is better onyx or obsidian?

Onyx has a higher hardness and toughness rating than obsidian. Onyx is typically more expensive than obsidian. Onyx is nearly always opaque, whereas obsidian ranges from transparent to opaque. Onyx is much heavier than obsidian.

Where are the Apache Tears in Utah?

Apache tears can be found off the south west side of Topaz Mountain. Obsidian can be found west of Black Rock. Drive Hwy 257 south from Deseret for about 43 miles, until you come to a sign identifying a road that heads east.

Where can you find obsidian in Arizona?

Where are rocks found in Arizona?

The best places to collect rocks in Arizona include the areas around Phoenix and Tucson, as well as smaller towns such as Cave Creek, Clifton, Morristown, and Kingman. These locations offer a diverse array of rock and mineral specimens such as agate, jasper, petrified wood, turquoise, and copper.

Where are geodes in Nevada?

Can Apache Tears be clear?

Sources of Apache Tears

At first glance, this stone may seem opaque. But once you hold it against a source of light. you can admire its semi-transparent nature, a typical quality found in volcanic glass.

Are Apache Tears opaque?

Internally the pebbles sometimes contain fine bands or microlites and though in reflected light they appear black and opaque, they may be translucent in transmitted light.

What is black obsidian stone used for?

A. Black Obsidian Stone is a powerful cleanser of psychic smog created within your aura, and is a strong psychic protection stone. This stone has powerful metaphysical properties that will help to shield you against negativity. The energy of these stones may stimulate the gift of prophecy and may boost precognition.

How do you make obsidian shiny?

For best results I like to add some time using 3000 grit and then start to polish. I have used cerium oxide and aluminum oxide to polish obsidian; both work. I like aluminum oxide better. For a real treat, polish a piece of obsidian with cerium oxide, then polish again with Reynolds* .