Apache Tear

This semi-precious gemstone is a merikanite obsidian, a form of volcanic glass found in rounded shapes from pea size to softball size.  Found mostly in Arizona, its smokey brown  hue is semi-transparent when polished and held up to the light.

The legend which gave these stones their name was that of the Pinal Apaches who were attacked by the military who blamed them for stealing cattle.  The Apaches, confident in the safety of their location, were completely surprised and out-numbered in the attack. Nearly 50 of the 75 Apaches were killed by gunfire. The rest of the tribe retreated to the cliff’s edge and chose death by leaping over the edge rather than die at the hands of the white men.  The Apache women gathered at the base of the cliff where the sands were white, and for a moon they wept for their dead. They mourned greatly, and their burden of sorrow was so sincere that the Great Father embedded into black stones the tears of the Apache women who mourned their dead. These black obsidian stones, when held to the light, reveal the
translucent tear of the Apache.

Apache tear is a grounding stone which transmutes negativity, aids grief, encourages forgiveness, and balances the emotions.  Traditionally it brings luck and clarity to the carrier.  Apache tear can help in the removal of personal barriers, and encourages spontaneity which we all know can lighten our lives.           

Physically, apache tears can alleviate muscle spasm.  They are great stones to carry while engaged in a detox program, and can help you assimilate vitamins C and D.       
                 
Apache tears are associated with the root chakra.