Collection: Apache Tear Obsidian

Obsidian is a silica-rich volcanic rock. There are different types of obsidian. They differ due to the rock's chemical composition. Obsidian is actually a natural glass. It forms during an eruption of silica-rich lava with less than 3% water. Upon exiting the volcano, it cools very rapidly, freezing the crystallization process.

This can be compared to a piece of lava suddenly solidifying as it leaves the volcano. The direct consequence of this phenomenon is the inability of the rock to crystallize. The result is the creation of a volcanic glass with a uniform texture, which is called an amorphous mineral. Furthermore, obsidian has sharp edges and very fine blades. It is a natural mineral with a complex composition.

Obsidian is essentially composed of silicon dioxide, about 70% or more. Its fracture is conchoidal (i.e., furrowed with curved and concentric striations) and its hardness is 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale. It has different colors and reflections due to the volcano where it was discovered and its various inclusions. It should be noted that each deposit, linked to a volcano, provides a different obsidian.

Green, brown, gray or black, it can sometimes have reflections of gold, silver, or even all the colors of the rainbow, (effect produced by the presence of hematites or magnesite). It also happens that two colors of obsidian mix.

Obsidian has been found in some sharp objects dating back approximately 2 to 4 million years, particularly in Kenya. Archaeological excavations have discovered knives, arrows, and spears. Depending on its composition, obsidian can sometimes be polished to make rustic mirrors.

As early as 7,000 BC, obsidian was widely used in surgery due to its cutting properties. Evidence of trepanation, the removal of a portion of the skull bone either to clean a wound or to attract spirits, is found.

In Mesopotamia, traces of obsidian blades have been identified as early as 5,000 BC.

In Egypt, obsidian was brought back from the Red Sea, Greece, or Italy. The Egyptians used it for its beauty, mystery, and value. They made the eyes of their statues, notably those in the mask of Tutankhamun (1323 BC). Obsius, returning from Ethiopia, brought back obsidian and decided to give it their name, obsidianus in Latin. Obsidian was used to make all kinds of ornamental objects, jewelry, and tools.

However, in Mexico, there is another legend. When the natives were short of food, the men went hunting, where they had to face wild beasts, even mammoths. They left their wives and children under the protection of the elders. Then, one day, the tribe was attacked by wild and ferocious hyenas. But the elders no longer had any weapons when young Obsid, son of the most valiant warrior, saw a shiny black stone on the ground. He tied it securely to a piece of wood. He threw this makeshift weapon at one of the hyenas, which screamed in pain, causing all the others to flee. The entire tribe honored young Obsid and granted him the status of warrior, and the stone was thus named in his name.

Among the Navajo tribe, obsidian was one of the four sacred stones. Obsidian Mountain corresponds to Mount Hesperus. In some creation stories, the human heart is said to have been created by the gods from obsidian.

For generations, magicians, sorcerers, and prophets have used polished obsidian as a mirror. They claimed to be able to read the future through it. But it was Dr. John Dee (1527-1608) who used it again to spread his prophecies. It became very famous, and the story goes that it helped foil certain plots against the English crown.

The main obsidian deposits are located in Mexico, Madagascar, the United States, etc.

Apache Teardrop Obsidian is a stone found in southern Arizona. According to Native American legend, the Apaches attempted to make a pact with the white man. One day, a group of 70 of them left their tribe and decided to sign a peace treaty. They were ambushed by soldiers.

Fifty of the seventy men were killed. The twenty or so men still alive took refuge on the top of a mountain. They chose to jump into the void, rather than be killed by the hand of the white man.

When the news reached the rest of the tribe, consisting mainly of women, children and elders, they began to cry in grief. The families of the brave men who were killed shed a great many tears, which fell to the ground.

These families were so grief-stricken that the Great Spirit decided to transform their tears into small black stones. Legend has it that the wearer of an Apache Tear Obsidian will never cry again.

In reality, these are small “drops” of volcanic glass. They are often embedded in gray perlite (volcanic rock that contains water). This presence of water during cooling causes the obsidian to hydrate. The water that penetrates the glass converts to perlite. When the perlite is not completely filled with water, pockets of obsidian remain in the form of Apache Tears pebbles.

This obsidian appears opaque, but when exposed to light, its transparency is discernible. It resembles smoky quartz. It is said that this stone, when exposed to light, reveals the transparent tears of Apache women.

Apache Teardrop Obsidian is black or dark gray in color with small white inclusions. It is also known as “smoky obsidian.” It is said to bring good luck to the wearer.

The main deposits are located in Mexico or the United States.

Apache Tear Obsidian is particularly recommended for people who have recently experienced a tragedy, such as the loss of a loved one, a romantic breakup, or an unfair dismissal. It helps release deep pain and allows for acceptance of states of suffering. It is a stone of consolation and liberation.

Native Americans use this stone for luck and protection from dark forces. Apache Teardrop Obsidian acts as armor against negative energies, harmful influences, and bad vibes.

This stone allows you to think objectively and control your feelings and passions. It fosters compassion and forgiveness to maintain balance. It helps you live in the present moment and releases blockages from the past. It encourages you to let go of resentment, grudges, and anger.

During introspection, it brings to the surface negative feelings that cause psychological blockages. By providing understanding, it frees people who have difficulty letting go of the past. It also removes inferiority complexes or lack of self-confidence.

When dealing with relationship problems, Apache Tear Obsidian provides balance in times of difficulty or crisis. It encourages letting go and allows you to give up trying to control everything. It encourages quality communication.