unclestu
Cave Dweller
WINNER OF THE FIRST RTH KILLER CAB CONTEST UNCLESTU'S AGUA NUEVA AGATE
Member since April 2011
Posts: 2,298
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Post by unclestu on Oct 1, 2011 10:55:00 GMT -5
Hi everyone, A quick question Is there a difference between Apache tears and Black Obsidium?
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Post by jakesrocks on Oct 1, 2011 11:42:09 GMT -5
Apache tears are black obsidian. They just formed differently. Instead of flowing out in a lava flow, they were spit out by the volcano in little, more or less rounded balls over a wide area. They aren't all black obsidian. I have a few that are mahogany sheen. Here's a link to the legend of the Apache tears. www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Legends/Apache_Tear_Drop-Apache.htmlDon
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elementary
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since February 2006
Posts: 1,077
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Post by elementary on Oct 1, 2011 11:47:26 GMT -5
I believe apache tears are obsidian nodules that have formed as separate pieces rather than part of any 'lava' flow.
Tears are not just black obsidian. I've also found mahogany and I've heard of sheen being found - though have never seen those. They are tears because they formed in small (up to baseball size) spheres/sphere-like shapes, and when found can cover the ground as if Mr. Johnny Obsidian seed walked by throwing these small nodules across the landscape.
Black obsidian is just obsidian that has no real markings or color scheme beyond black. It's found in large amounts where the lava cooled quickly (I believe - but correct my science Wikirockepedia people).
So - tears are called tears due to their shape and small size and how they are found. They can be made out of black obsidian or other types.
Black obsidian is a color type of obsidian. Tears are one way obsidian can be found.
Long live obsidian!
Lowell
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JUDY
spending too much on rocks
Member since September 2011
Posts: 431
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Post by JUDY on Oct 1, 2011 11:48:57 GMT -5
very cool story Don! I've heard it before, but not with so many extra details
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elementary
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since February 2006
Posts: 1,077
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Post by elementary on Oct 1, 2011 11:48:59 GMT -5
Dag nab it!!!!
I turn around to work with my daughter while writing my answer and I come back and someone gets in before me!!!
Hangs head low, walks away to vent anger by smashing rocks...
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Post by mohs on Oct 1, 2011 12:15:00 GMT -5
Part of the lore & legends of the mighty Superstition Mountains Ed
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Post by jakesrocks on Oct 1, 2011 12:16:25 GMT -5
Don't be smashing those rocks, unless you plan to tumble them. lol
Judy, I used to tumble Apache tears to give away to kids in little baggies. I always put a copy of the legend in each baggie.
Don
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