100 caratsGenuine Obsidian Cabochons - Apache Tears.

Set of 21 matching Obsidian stones. This is the same type of Obsidian that gets the name Apache Tears when found in nugget form. Smoky clear when held up to the light. Average diameter is 12mm. Round. Not Backed. Total weight 100 carats.

Apache tears are a kind of nodular obsidian (volcanic black glass). When polished, it is nearly opaque to smoky clear and the color ranges from reddish brown to black. The name Apache tear stems from a legend regarding the Apache tribe. In retaliation for raiding an Arizona settlement, the U.S. military trailed the offending band of about 75 Apache warriors and launched a surprise attack against them. Nearly 50 died in the first volley of shots, and the rest dove over a cliff rather than allow themselves to be killed. The Apache tear nuggets are supposedly the tears that their wives and families shed for them.