Posts Tagged ‘Black Obsidian’
How to tell the difference between black obsidian and black onyx
People often ask how to tell the difference between black obsidian and black onyx. That is a very good question and one that doesn’t come with a definitive answer.
Both obsidian and onyx are black stones (can be other colors as well) which contain silicon and other impurities. The main difference between obsidian and onyx is how they are formed.
Obsidian is formed when molten lava erupts from a volcano and cools quickly upon reaching land or water. As a result, obsidian does not have a crystalline structure. This volcanic glass is usually glossy and glassy and generally weighs less than onyx. It can also have a translucence to it.
Onyx, on the other hand, has a crystalline structure because it grew in the ground for a very long time. Onyx tends to have a duller finish. Another difference is that onyx can also have white, gray or black bands.
Black obsidian doesn’t have bands. Obsidian is one gem that comes in an assortment of colors and styles due to its mineral content and tiny gas bubbles that got caught inside during its quick formation. Rainbow obsidian is a example of obsidian which has an intriguing rainbow design.
After all that, you may still need a strong magnifying glass nearby.
Apache Tears
Apache Tears (AKA Apache’s Tears) are a spherical form of usually black obsidian (volcanic glass). Apache Tears are composed of approx. 70% quartz, along with other minerals including feldspar, hornblende, biotite and iron.
There are many stories surrounding Apache Tears. Most of the legends say that they represent the tears shed by the Native American women for their loved ones who fought and never returned. One belief is that their tears fell to the ground and became solidified which is why they are found primarily around the Southwestern part of the U.S.
This stone “sheds” tears for those who are grieving, helping them to better understand and accept their stressful situation. Some believe that those who carry Apache Tears will never need to shed another tear because the American Indians have already done so.
As with all forms of obsidian, the most common properties of Apache Tears are grounding and protection from other’s negativity. These rough round shaped nodules also provide alot more. They provide calming, spontaneity, intuition, good luck and success in business. They balance the emotions, helping to heal old emotional wounds and “baggage.” Apache Tears removes suppressed negativity and anger and replaces it with positive attitudes.
Apache Tears can help prevent us from being taken advantage of. That sounds good to me.
We have Apache Tears for $6.
Here’s the link to our store. http://www.crystalsandgemstones.com/store/a/apache-tears/


