The apache tears stones are found scattered around the southwest U.S. and Mexico. It is a type of obsidian with softer and gentler characteristics. The name is derived from a sad story of the Coyote, Tonto and Pinal Indians who were all Apaches living on top of Big Picacho mountain, a place they felt safe and hidden. In July of 1870, General Stoneman of the U.S. cavalry was sent to establish an outpost in that area. It was a difficult winter and hunting and gathering was a struggle for the Apaches. The buffalo and vegetation were scarce and there was a sense of desperation so the Indians made several raids on the nearby settlements. In retaliation the cavalry and some local ranchers went to search for the Apaches and found the hidden trail to the mountaintop and their camp.
The Apaches were surprised by this attack and within a short time almost 50 Apaches were killed while the rest retreated near the edge of the cliff. At that moment they chose death by riding their horses over the edge than to die in the arms of the white man leaving the women to grieve. The wives and families of the warriors cried when they witnessed this great tragedy and legend says that their tears turned into stone upon hitting the ground.
There is a saying that if you carry this stone around you will never cry again since the apache women who cried this stone have done all of the crying for you. I have a great affinity to the Apache Tear as it was a very helpful stone in softening the grief I experienced when I lost my husband. This wonderful stone can bring much so much support during sorrowful times and will gently help you to accept the loss. It is a stone of great hope that it is time for a new plan of action after a traumatic experience
The energies of the Apache Tears run deep into the heart center and help to extract old and simmering issues of emotional conflicts and also will remove relationships that are not
harmonious and encourage the search for joy in others that support you. They do not battle negative energy but instead move it along without the need for confrontation.
They absorb ALOT of negativity which is why they should be cleaned frequently. They are wonderful detox stones helping to strengthen the blood and immune system and also the assimilation of vitamins and then removing toxins. This results in a greater vitality. It would be the perfect stone for someone who works in a trauma center to keep themselves cleared. A bowl of apache tears is a great idea when working with the sick and dying, keeping you clear but able to help those in need. They are like little sponges soaking up negative energies.
This is the perfect stone to put in your pocket or wear when you will be involved in a difficult conversation, like telling your boss about issues they do not want to face or needing to have a heart to heart conversation in an important relationship. Apache tears will strengthen your conversation so that there is less conflict and a more constructive way of dealing with matters. It will not banish negative energy but soften it, keeping things from becoming harsh and frustrating.
Native Americans often combine Apache Tears with Turquoise to add a happy tone to it, boosting the energy after absorbing the pain and suffering. Turquoise will help you to receive the support of others and help in opening up the channels of communication for better understanding.