Apache Tears are naturally rounded, translucent obsidian nodules found embedded in perlite deposits. They are prized by collectors for their smooth, pebble-like surfaces and glassy interior, which is often visible when held against a strong light source.
Is this apache tears?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch apache tears with a known reference. Apache Tears sits at Mohs 5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Apache Tears leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Apache Tears typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: amorphous. Typical habit: rounded nodules.
Often confused with
Apache Tears vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Apache Tears is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 2.5-4); streak differs — Apache Tears leaves white, Jet leaves brown; luster reads vitreous on Apache Tears and resinous on Jet.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Apache Tears leaves white, Indochinite leaves none.
Often found alongside apache tears
Minerals reported to co-occur with apache tears. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- SiO₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-5.5
- Density
- 2.35-2.6 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Amorphous
- Crystal habit
- Rounded Nodules
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Collector, Lapidary, Decorative
- Host rock
- Rhyolitic Volcanic Glass
- Typical price
- $2-20 per specimen
Where rockhounds find apache tears
6 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Arizona, USA
- Nevada, USA
- Mexico
- Iceland
- Armenia
Field-hunting tip
Look in rhyolitic volcanic glass country — that is the host setting where apache tears typically forms. If you start seeing perlite, rhyolite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rounded nodules habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado — start trip planning there.
Common questions
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Find apache tears on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
