Apache Tear Obsidian

Appearance, Uses and History

Apache Tear Obsidian is a trade name for small, rounded pebbles of Obsidian, also known as Marekanite.

They are typically opaque black, although they may be translucent in bright, direct light. It is often found embedded in or with the mineral Perlite.

The name ‘Apache Tear’ comes from an Apache legend, as Apache warriors fought the US Cavalry on a mountain in Arizona. Rather than face defeat, they rode their horses off the mountainside rather than be killed by the soldiers.

When the news reached the wives and families of the dead, they cried, and their tears turned to stone as they hit the ground.

Locales

Apache Tear Obsidian is found around the western United States, particularly Arizona and Nevada.

Mineralogy

Hazards and Warnings

While ‘Apache Tears’ are generally very rounded, Obsidian is a naturally occurring glass, and as such can have extremely sharp fragments and edges when broken – to the extent that Obsidian scalpels have been tested.

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis.

When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.

Translations

Further Reading / External Links

• https://www.mindat.org/min-27156.html
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apache_tears