Faceted Apache Tear Ring $100

I found this Apache tear in the Sonoran desert of central Arizona near Superior. Apache tears are a form of volcanic glass, or obsidian, that was exposed to water and weathering during its formation. Obsidian which is dark and glassy changes to perlite when it was exposed to water. You might be familiar with perlite because it is mined and sold as a moisture holding additive to potting soil. As the obsidian turns to perlite, small rounded nodules of dark obsidian remain encased in perlite (See photo at bottom). These are Apache tears.

A casual look at rough Apache tears does not reveal what I consider to be the secret of the stone. Underneath the crusty perlite is a beautifully transparent stone. Faceting and polishing them transforms the stone into a gem!

That is the geological explanation for Apache tears, but there is another.



LEGEND OF APACHE TEARS

Native people tell of a time when a band of warriors was fleeing from an enemy. Rather than face capture, they chose to leap to their deaths from a cliff. When the Indian women saw what had happened to their men, they cried dark tears that turned to stone when they touched the ground, and these dark stones are now called Apache tears.

Apache tear ring, size 6 1/4 (can be resized up or down)

It is said that if you have an Apache tear you will not cry because the Indian women have already cried enough.

I don't know. When I think of how those women must have felt after losing their men, it makes me cry more, but maybe that is a purpose of these beautiful stones. They are said to help people cope during times of sadness, grief, and loss.



This ring features an exceptionally clear stone faceted in a rectangular emerald style. It measures approximately 5/8 by 3/8 inches and it is held in place by four prongs made from tarnish resistant argentium sterling silver. The ring is size 6 1/4 (I can adjust it up or down to the size you need).

Argentium sterling silver, Apache tear ring

Purchase this piece safe in the knowledge you can return it if you decide it just isn't right for you. All my jewelry comes with a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. Try any piece and return it if you are not delighted.

Emerald cut Apache tear ring size 6 1/4

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Rough Apache tears as they are dug out of the ground