dark gray to nearly black, pebble-sized glass nodules, most of which have greatest dimensions ranging between two and four centimeters, that occur as remnants within or weathered out of light gray perlite. (Perlite, apparently derived from obsidian as the result of hydration involving meteoric water, is a light gray rock made up of concentrically fractured fragments.) Many apache tears in the marketplace are from Maricopa and Pinal counties, Arizona.
Apache Tears are, in reality, a form of obsidian or volcanic glass. It is a wonderful stone for grounding, thus enhancing our connection with mother earth. Obsidian reflects our flaws back to us; but also promotes an understanding of what we need to do in order to change those flaws into strengths, often with humor and spontaneity. Obsidian is a strong protector, shielding those who would carry it from negative energy.
The legend is, that as the Apache women cried for their slain warriors, their tears turned to stone. Thus, Apache tears help us through the grieving process, and allow us to access the wisdom of forgiveness of those people or situations that have caused us to sustain a loss.
