Apache tears - obsidianite cores from a flow converting to perlite - classroom set of 10
Apache tears are the unhydrated cores of obsidian from a flow that has converted to perlite. As a silica-rich lava flow cools, excess water present during the cooling of the lava causes the obsidian to hydrate, where water enters the glass, converting it to perlite. The obsidian cores remain as rounded pebbles in the perlite and frequently weather out. These were collected at the Umpire Perlite Mine, Goodsprings Mining District, Clark County, Nevada.
These pebbles are usually less than 2” in diameter. The lithologic term, marekanite, from the Marekanka River in Siberia, where they are found, is sometimes used to describe these obsidianites. They are also found in the southwestern U.S. and in central Nicaragua. The field photo shows Apache tears weathering out of the perlite at the mine.
Set of 10, these are as they weathered out and are not polished.
Making multiple purchases? Click on the "combine shipping" button in the shopping cart. We'll send an invoice with combined shipping. A link in that invoice will bring you back to checkout, no hassle.
Shipping: in a First Class package unless combined with other items. Click > here < for shipping rates. Use back button to return to this page.