Astrological Association:  Aries

Chakras:  Root (1st), Belly /Sacral (2nd), Heart (4th)

Elements:  Earth, Fire

Hardness: 5 – 5.5

Vibration: 6

Key words:   Grounding and Protection from Negativity, Comforts in Grief, Emotional Cleansing, Enjoying Experiences, Shaman Stone

Description:  Semi-transparent rough roundish lumps of blackish brown obsidian (silicate rich volcanic rock)

How old:  Obsidian is a silicate rich mixture that forms inside a volcano for many years. One day, the volcano erupts and the hot “silica” lava gushes out and cools quickly.  For this reason, obsidian is like smooth glass as opposed to crystals that grow in the Earth’s crust giving them a crystalline structure. 

Where discovered: Primarily in Mexico and the Southwestern U.S.

Name origin: “Tears” because they provided comfort in times of grief

Stone personality: Gentle Healer, eases our emotions 

Physical Benefits:  overall strength and stamina, stimulates and purifies blood, hair and nail growth, boosts immune system, eases muscle spasms, helps assimilate vitamins C & D, removes toxins from body, believed to remove snakebite venom

Emotional Benefits: friendly and compatible with our emotions, cleanses and heals old wounds, baggage, releases stuck subconscious emotional patterns and long held grievances, helps release blockages during therapy, spiritual sessions, etc., gets us out of our trap to feel joy in our life, sheds tears for us in times of sorrow, provides insight and acceptance from our distress, removes self imposed barriers

Mental Benefits: increases analytical abilities, precision, forgiving attitude 

Spiritual Benefits: understanding our spiritual lessons while here on Earth, psychic protection, shaman stone, teaches us that the lower vibrations of Earth are sources of knowledge and spiritual teaching

Legend: Many years ago, the Apache Indian warriors were forced by their enemies to ride over a  cliff to their deaths.  Legend has it that the Apache women shed dark tears of grief which solidified into the “tear”drop formations 

Interesting Facts:  Believed to bring good fortune and positive vibes into your life. 

 Measures  1  1/4″

For more info, read our April 23rd, 2011  Blog on “Apache Tears.”

http://www.crystalsandgemstones.com/category/our-blog/page/3/