Apache Tears are a distinctive form of volcanic glass, technically classified as a variety of obsidian. These rounded, dark pebbles are known for their unique appearance and the poignant Native American legend that surrounds their origin, linking them to a battle near Superior, Arizona, where the tears of mourning women solidified into stone. Unlike typical obsidian flows, Apache Tears are found as individual nodules, appealing to rock hounding enthusiasts interested in collecting volcanic materials.
Identifying Apache Tears
Apache Tears are small, sub-rounded to sub-angular pebbles of black or dark-colored natural volcanic glass, typically ranging from the size of a pea up to about two inches in diameter. While they appear opaque black in reflected light, a defining characteristic is their translucency when held up to a strong light source, which reveals a smoky gray or brown interior. They share the vitreous luster and conchoidal fracture pattern common to all forms of obsidian, meaning they break with curved, shell-like surfaces.
The formation of these nodules is a result of specific geological conditions involving rhyolitic lava flows. When silica-rich lava cools rapidly, it forms obsidian. This process causes the outer layers of the glass to hydrate and weather into a softer, grayish-white material called perlite. The Apache Tears are the unhydrated cores of fresh obsidian that remain embedded within the porous perlite matrix. Over time, erosion frees these hard cores from the softer host rock, scattering the smooth, tear-shaped pebbles across the landscape.
Key Geographic Locations
The most abundant and well-known collecting sites for Apache Tears are concentrated in the Southwestern United States, a region rich with volcanic terrain. Arizona is the most famous state, particularly the area around Superior, which is considered the type locality for these nodules. Arnett Canyon, near Superior, is a specific area where the tears are often found embedded in white perlite deposits.
Other states in the American West also host significant deposits. In Nevada, collectors have success in western districts, including areas like Fish Lake Valley near the California border and the Crow Springs region. Much of this land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), making it publicly accessible for noncommercial collection.
New Mexico offers additional opportunities, particularly in the Mule Creek area along the Arizona border, known for large obsidian deposits. The nodules are often found in wash bottoms and areas of exposed, layered rhyolitic volcanic ash. East Grants Ridge, within the Cibola National Forest, is another locality where Apache Tears can be found alongside other minerals like topaz and garnet. Collectors should also investigate volcanic areas of Oregon and Utah, which have smaller but notable occurrences of the nodules.
Practical Search and Collection Methods
Successfully finding Apache Tears begins with locating areas of exposed perlite or rhyolitic volcanic rock, which are the host materials. Once a likely spot is identified, the search primarily involves visually scanning the ground, especially in areas where erosion has concentrated the materials, such as dry washes, canyon floors, or road cuts. The dark, often shiny surface of the obsidian stands out against the light-colored, dull perlite and surrounding soil, especially when the ground is damp or the sun is at a low angle.
A useful technique is to walk with the sun behind you, allowing your shadow to highlight the contrast between the black nodules and the lighter ground. Many Apache Tears are loose on the surface, requiring only hand-picking. A small garden trowel or shovel can be used to sift through loose soil and gravel. Since the nodules are often small, using a rock screen or classifier with a fine mesh can be effective for separating them from larger debris and soil.
For nodules still embedded in the perlite host rock, a sturdy rock hammer and chisel are the appropriate tools for extraction. When working with embedded nodules, look for small, dark spots in the white or gray perlite and carefully chisel away the softer matrix. Safety equipment, including gloves, sturdy boots, and safety glasses, is important when breaking or chiseling rock. Always carry plenty of water and inform someone of your location and expected return time, as collecting is often done in remote, arid environments.
Regulations for Rock Hounding
Before beginning any collection activity, rock hounds must determine the ownership and management status of the land to ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Collecting on private property is strictly prohibited without explicit, written permission from the landowner.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands and most National Forests generally permit the casual collection of reasonable amounts of rocks and minerals for personal, noncommercial use without a permit. The definition of a “reasonable amount” varies by state, but the BLM in Arizona, for example, sets the limit for personal use at up to 25 pounds per day, with an annual limit of 250 pounds.
This collection must be done using only hand tools, as the use of motorized or mechanical excavation equipment is not allowed. Collection is also prohibited in certain sensitive areas, such as National Parks, National Monuments, designated wilderness areas, and active mining claims. Always check with the local BLM or Forest Service office for any specific restrictions or closures before heading out.