Apache Tears

A complex Translucent smoky black pebble of Obsidian.

Obsidian (also known as Lava Glass) is formed when minerals in the ground are exposed to exceedingly high temperatures until they turn to glass. It is found on the walls of lava tubes, naturally coating the inside of the tunnels as magma is transported through the Earth’s crust. When thinly sliced and highly polished, it becomes a translucent stone with Quartz like qualities.

Although there is evidence of several Ancient Civilisations extensively using Obsidian, it is most closely associated with North American Indian culture. It was considered a very valuable trade material that warriors would use to fashion arrow heads. Apache Tears is named after events following the legend of the Apache Tribe, and the battle that was fought in Arizona in the 19th Century.

Obsidian is generally used as a protective stone, as it is believed to calm negative energies. It is commonly thought to protect from physical and emotional harm, helping to find a sense of grounding in times of distress.