Apache Tear

Apache Tears or Obsidian is an extrusive igneous rock formed when a felsic lava erupts from a volcano and cools too quickly to allow crystals to form, resulting in a glass, not a mineral. It typically forms near the end of a volcanic cycle. Since Obsidian has no crystalline structure, its blade edges can reach almost molecular thinness, which is why it has been used throughout time in making weapons and tools. In fact, scalpels made of Obsidian are being tested in surgery, as the blades are sharper, more accurate, and smoother than steel.

Sometimes, absorption of water during and after the cooling of the magma will produce perlite, a gray-brown glassy rock. The water starts absorbing into cooling fractures along the exterior of the glass, and proceeds in concentric circles into the cores of rock. The smooth pebbles of obsidian known as Apache Tears represent the final remnants of obsidian inside the centers of these concentric circles of perlite. Apache Tears have considerable internal pressures.

AKA: Hearts of Obsidian, Obsidian

NOTE: This item is sold by the OUNCE! Minimum quantity is 10 Ounces

Item Size: Various Sizes


GENERAL INFORMATION

Chemical Formula:SiO₂ - Silicon Dioxide with Impurities

Composition:
70.01(+)% - Silica SiO₂
**23.34(+)% - Silicon Si
**46.67(+)% - Oxygen O₂
29.99(-)% - Varies

Environment: Silica-rich magma of volcanoes, often near areas of crustal instability or mountain building

Locality: Milos Island, Greece

Name Origin: From an Apache legend that the stones are tears women and families shed for their fallen men after a battle with U.S. forces.

Obsidian Sources: Worldwide at volcanic sites


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Cleavage: None

Color: Smoky grey, brown, black

Crystal System: None

Density: 2.4

Diaphaniety: Translucent

Fracture: Conchoidal with sharp edges

Habit: Compact nodules

Habit: Massive layers between other volcanic rocks

Hardness: 5-5.5

Luminescence: None

Luster: Vitreous (Glassy)

Magnetism: Nonmagnetic

Specific Gravity: 2.4

Streak: White


METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Chakras: As protection, spleen for women, base for men; cleanses earth

Number: 6

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Planet: Saturn

Element: Earth, Fire

Beneficial for: Spontaneity; forgiveness; snakebite; detoxification; assimilation of vitamins C and D; muscle spasm

Apache Tear heals grief and it is said that whoever owns one will never have to cry again, for the Apache women have shed their tears in place of yours. It provides insight into the source of distress and promoting forgiveness. Gently brings up emotional negativity for transmutation. Excellent for absorbing negative energy and protecting the aura. This stone stimulates analytical capabilities and removes self-limitations.