Apache Tears
Science & Origin of Apache Tears
Apache Tears, also known as Obsidianite and Marekanite, is a special variety of black Obsidian that crystallized in the form of small, indented pebbles (around 1”-2”). It was created by silica-rich lava that became embedded within the high water content mineral Perlite(a volcanic glass formed when water is absorbed during the cooling process of lava). When the hydration process of Perlite was over or partially finished, you're left with small Obsidian concretions that we refer to as Apache Tears. This has occurred a few times within the United States, most notably in Superior, Arizona. This southern Arizona town (originally called Queen and then Hastings) is believed to be the type locality (original discovery) of this mineral, estimated to have been found around the late 1800s to early 1900s. Since then, Apache Tears have also been discovered in western Nevada and southwestern Utah. Both of these discoveries are believed to have occurred in the middle of the 20th century.
Meaning & Energy
The name “Apache Tears”, comes from a sad backstory that takes place during the height of the American Indian War. In the 1870s there was a fierce battle between the U.S. Cavalry and about 75 members of the Apache Tribe. This conflict took place atop a mountain (posthumously renamed Apache Leap) overlooking present-day Superior, Arizona. As the American Indians became outnumbered and enemy forces were approaching with haste, the tribesmen decided to take their fate into their own hands and ride their horses off the cliff to their death. As family members and wives of the great men heard the tragic news, they began to weep and cry endless tears. It is these tears that are believed to have been turned into stone, in what we refer to as Apache tears.
To learn more about this stone’s energy and how it can be a positive influence in your life, please refer to our Obsidian article here!
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