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Apache tears are
rounded pebbles of obsidian found in Arizona. The name "Apache tear" comes from a legend of the Apache tribe.
In
1872, a band of raiding Apache horsemen were ambushed by a United States
Cavalry force from Picket Post Mountain. This small band of Pinal Apaches lived high
atop a mountain then known as Big Picacho.
The outnumbered Apaches were caught off guard
in a dawn attack. Seventy five Apache warriors were killed in the initial
attack, while the remaining Apache warriors rode off the side of the mountain,
now known as “Apache Leap,” rather than surrender.
Relatives of those who died gathered a short distance
from the base of the cliff and mourned their loved ones. Legend says their
sadness was so great that their tears were imbedded into black obsidian stones.
When held to the light, they are said to reveal the translucent tear of the
Apache. Found in great abundance near Superior, just a short distance from
historic Apache Leap, the Apache Tears are said to bring good luck to anyone
who has them in their possession.
The sadness of the families was so great, that the
Great Spirit turned their tears into black stones so that the warriors would
never be forgotten. Legend says that
whoever owns an Apache tear will never cry again, for the Apache women have
shed their tears in place of yours.
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