Apache Tear, a translucent obsidian variety. Smoky translucent dark brown to black natural glass, named after a Lipan Apache legend from the Superstition Mountains of Arizona.

Where does it come from?

This batch is from Arizona, United States.

Grade AA. Each piece 0.50-1.50 inches.

Untreated. A naturally tumbled obsidian.

What is it traditionally used for?

Apache Tear is often worked with for grounding practice, kept on a desk or carried during transitions and busy days. Traditionally associated with the root chakra.

How should I care for it?

Wipe with a soft dry cloth. Mohs 5 to 5.5; the conchoidal fracture means edges can be sharp.

What does a crystal grade (A, AA, or AAA) actually mean?

Crystal grades reflect visual quality within a single batch. Grade A is standard quality with typical inclusions. Grade AA shows stronger color saturation, cleaner surface, and tighter sizing. Grade AAA represents the top 10 to 15 percent of any batch: exceptional clarity, consistent color, and minimal surface variation. At Beyond Bohemian, grades are assessed by Paul Oliver at point of purchase.

Will I receive the exact piece shown, or one chosen from your stock?

For bulk listings sold by weight or piece count, you receive pieces from the same batch shown in the photos. Each piece is hand-selected at the time of packing. For unique specimens listed individually, you receive the exact piece photographed. The listing will specify which applies.

How do I know this crystal is ethically sourced?

Beyond Bohemian traces each stone as far up the supply chain as possible and is transparent when that tracing has limits. We work with small-scale operations and family-run suppliers wherever we can verify fair compensation. You can ask about any specific piece and we will tell you what we know and what we do not.

What is the return policy?

Beyond Bohemian accepts returns within 90 days of purchase. Items must be in original condition. Return shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. Contact us before returning so we can confirm eligibility and provide instructions.

What is Apache Tears crystal?

Apache Tears crystal is a natural stone sold by Beyond Bohemian as part of our ethically-sourced, hand-graded collection. Our complete Apache Tears Crystal Guide covers its meaning, geological origin, traditional associations across cultures, and how to identify a real specimen.

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Apache Tear Raw Stones | AA Grade | Arizona | 0.50–1.50 Inch

$2.50

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You'll Get

A similar piece from our curated collection

Polish

Hand-finished with natural jojoba oil to enhance the stone's natural color and texture

Size

0.50-1.50 Inches

Weight

5-20 Grams

Per Lb/Kg

48-80 Pieces Per Pound

Grade

Origin

Arizona, United States

Sourcing model

Direct Source

We work directly with the mine or workshop, with no intermediaries in between. The relationship is personal, pricing is transparent, and we can speak to each batch.

Read our Sourcing Standards →

★★★★★

these are lovely, well priced, and perfect.

Mary H · Verified buyer · November 2024

In Short

These are AA-grade Apache Tear raw stones from Arizona, United States, sold by the piece or by the pound. An Apache Tear is a naturally rounded obsidian nodule, translucent smoky brown against the light, unlike common black obsidian. Each piece runs 0.50-1.50 inches and was bought directly at the source. A favorite emotional healing stone for meditation spaces.

What is Apache Tears?

Apache Tears Crystal Guide: meaning, origin & properties

Learn what Apache Tears is, where ours comes from, traditional associations across cultures, and how to identify a real specimen, in our complete Apache Tears Crystal Guide.

Read our full Apache Tears guide: meaning, origin & sourcing → Or browse all Apache Tears pieces →

Crystal Family: Obsidian (Natural Volcanic Glass) Beginner Friendly: Good
Treatment Risk: Low (Rare - None Typical, Est. <5%)

Apache Tears is most commonly classified as Obsidian (natural volcanic glass) / Mineraloid (silica-rich glass). It's typically seen in black tones. Crystal system: Amorphous (volcanic glass). On the Mohs scale it generally falls around 5-5.5. Chemical formula commonly cited: Volcanic glass (variable).

It typically forms in Rapidly cooled silica‑rich lava (volcanic glass). Common commercial sources include United States (Arizona, New Mexico), Mexico. Material is most often obtained through Surface quarry/collection from volcanic flows; hand tools.

Trade name for small rounded obsidian nodules. "Apache tear" is a modern name for rounded obsidian nodules, tied to Southwestern U. S. folklore. Common confusions on the market include Sometimes confused with man‑made glass; natural obsidian often shows flow banding and conchoidal fracture.

Apache Tears is often worked with for themes of emotional healing, protection, grounding, stress relief. Emotional balance, energetic boundaries, grounded presence, calm nervous energy.

Entry/daily carry: keep near entryway or carry in pocket. Softening tension, boundary support, steadying support.

These are traditional associations drawn from historical practice. This stone is not a substitute for medical or mental health care.

Traditional Associations

A starting place for your own quiet practice.

Intention

GroundingProtectionEmotional Healing

Chakra

Root

Zodiac

AriesScorpioSagittarius

Element

EarthFire

Care & Use Sensitivity: Moderate

Best For

Home/Altar

Meditation Space

Gentle Daily Carry

Care

Wipe Dry

Quick Rinse Only

Store Protected

Gentle Soap Only

Stable Room Temperature

Avoid

Chemical Cleaners

Cleansing

Smoke

Sound

Breath/Intention

Charging

Moonlight

Morning Sunlight (brief)

Intention

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Apache Tear Raw Stones | AA Grade | Arizona | 0.50–1.50 Inch

Direct Source

Apache Tears Crystal Guide: meaning, origin & properties

Traditional Associations

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