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Apache Tears

Photo: Stephanie Clifford from Arlington, VA, USA / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Apache Tears

Also known as: Marekanite

Small rounded nuggets of obsidian that glow smoky-brown when held to the light – a stone of comfort in crystal lore.

  • ColourBlack, Smoky brown
  • Mineral groupVolcanic glass (obsidian)
  • ChemistryMostly SiO₂
  • Hardness (Mohs)5–5.5
  • Crystal systemAmorphous
  • Where it's foundUSA (Arizona, New Mexico)
  • ChakraRoot
  • ZodiacAries

What is Apache Tears?

Apache tears are small rounded nodules of obsidian (volcanic glass), sometimes called marekanite. They form within perlite, a volcanic rock that weathers away to release the smooth nodules. They look black but become translucent smoky-brown when held up to light.

Their name comes from a legend from Arizona in the 1870s, which tells that the tears of Apache families grieving fallen warriors turned to stone. Most are collected in Arizona and New Mexico.

Apache Tears astrology & birthstone

  • Zodiac signsAries
  • Ruling planet—
  • ElementEarth
  • Birthstone month—

Zodiac, planet and element links come from crystal-lore traditions and vary between authors. Birthstone months follow the American Gem Society list.

Apache Tears meaning & traditional properties

Apache tears are associated with comfort in grief, protection and grounding in crystal traditions – a gentler form of obsidian.

  • Protection
  • Comfort
  • Grounding

Traditional and metaphysical properties are shared for cultural and educational interest. Crystals are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

How to use Apache Tears

  • Carry an Apache tear during difficult times.
  • Hold it up to the light to see its translucent glow.

How to care for Apache Tears

Glass can chip. Clean with water and a soft cloth.

Looking for Apache Tears?

Apache Tears isn't in our shop right now – new stock arrives regularly. In the meantime, explore similar crystals we have available or browse our full crystal collection.

  • Black Obsidian
    In our shop

    Black Obsidian

    Natural volcanic glass with razor-sharp edges – a classic protective, grounding stone.

  • Smoky Quartz
    In our shop

    Smoky Quartz

    Brown to smoky-grey quartz darkened by natural radiation – Scotland's national gem and a grounding stone.

Rituals & pairings

Pair Apache Tears with a protection & cleansing ritual

A traditional cleansing ritual for resetting your space and feeling protected.

Traditionally paired with: White sage or palo santo smudge sticks · Dragon's blood, frankincense or myrrh incense · A white or black candle

  • Open a window, then light a white sage or palo santo stick and let it smoulder.
  • Gently waft the smoke around your crystal and through the room, corners first.
  • Light a white candle and place your crystal beside it while you set a simple intention, such as "This space is calm and protected".
  • Finish with frankincense or dragon's blood incense and let it burn down safely.

Safety: never leave candles, incense or smudge sticks burning unattended, keep them away from children, pets and anything flammable, and ventilate the room. Rituals are shared as tradition, not as a treatment.

Ritual oils, essential oils & perfumes

Deepen your practice: tarot & oracle cards

Wear it & work with it

Apache Tears jewellery & pendulums

Wear the energy of your favourite crystals every day – browse our handmade crystal jewellery and dowsing pendulums.

Apache Tears FAQs

What are Apache tears?

Small rounded nodules of obsidian volcanic glass.

Why are they called Apache tears?

From a 19th-century Arizona legend about grieving Apache families.

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  • Smoky Quartz
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