- Apache Tear is a form of Obsidian with the same general properties as Black Obsidian, but gentler in its effect. At first glance it appears opaque, but is translucent when held up to the light. It is a volcanic, somewhat spherical vitreous stone which is usually found with black to smoky colouring.

 

- Apache Tears originate from Obsidian lava flows and are created when hot lava is spewed out into the air and quickly solidifies before returning to the ground. They appear as rounded nodules with a diameter from about 0.5 to 5 cm, 1/4in to 2in. Apache Tears have an amorphous crystal system and fall between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs hardness scale.

- Legend has it that the name ''Apache Tears'' came into being in the 1870’s when a tribe of about 75 Apaches met the US Cavalry in battle on a mountain bluff overlooking what is now Superior, Arizona. Greatly outnumbered and having run out of weapons, they chose to leap to their death, as they were unwilling to be taken captive or to confront the enemy without weapons. The wives and families of the warriors

were grief-stricken and wept when they heard of the tragedy and as they cried their tears turned into stone as they landed on the ground.

 

- It is said that anyone who carries an Apache Tear will never need to shed their tears again in times of sorrow as the Apache women shed enough tears for all.

 

- Apache Tear assists with connecting the physical realms. This stone teaches us of the movement of energy throughout the natural world. It can also help you to strengthen your connection with nature. Reflecting fire energy from deep within the Earth, this stone is outstanding for grounding energies into the Earth, especially during spiritual work.

- Apache Tear is a protective stone, which will safeguard your aura from negative energy. This stone will provide gentle healing and comfort in times of heartache and grief. It will assist in

clarifying issues, help relieve long held grievances and grant insight while providing you with solid grounding. It is an excellent stone to deal with and prevent psychic attack. Apache Tear can raise your level of awareness so that you are able to feel the presence of threatening energies, situations, or persons.

- Apache Tears help to ground spiritual experiences into the physical, helping you to integrate these experiences into everyday life. It is known to release negative emotions, heal old wounds and assist with forgiveness and removing

blockages within your body. Assist with processing and releasing unwanted emotional patterns, particularly those held in your subconscious. It makes for an excellent meditation tool.

 

- Apache Tear will remove self limitations and allow opportunities for positive change as well as enhance your logical thinking skills and open new doors for success. This stone can facilitate spontaneity in many different areas in life. It is also regarded as a good luck stone.

- Apache Tears assists with detoxification of the body, the absorption of vitamins, particularly C and D, calming muscle spasms. It will boost your immune system and strengthen your body.