![]() ![]() It has been found to be a huge source of obsidian. The area was surveyed in 1986 as part of the Tertiary Sauceda Volcanic Field. The tailings left by these tribes indicate the areas they preferred and frequented, pausing in their journey to knap new weapons and tools from the highest-quality material. Located just south of the Sand Tank Mountains, the Sauceda Mountains were a major source of obsidian for prehistoric tribes. Check for privately-owned property in the region before venturing in. There may be a couple of mines in the area, but there is also a great deal of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) controlled land where limited collecting is allowed. Discovering such a large, unexploited obsidian source site has been a cause for excitment in scientific circles. The density of nodules found in these areas is unique and of a quality equal to any other more well-known sources in the state. Although the specimens may be be up to 35 cm in size and of high quality, it seems the area was not exploited by native peoples because it lies away from common trails of that time period. The obsidian deposits in the Tank Mountains in east-central Yuma County and the Sand Tank Mountains in southern Maricopa County are considered relatively new finds. There is a campground in the area, but it is fairly desolate, so be prepared by taking plenty of water, dressing appropriately, and driving a vehicle that can handle rough roads. There are specimens here with a high knapping quality. The interior glass may also be cloudy brown or brown-gray and highly opaque. ![]() The material found here contains weathered black glass cortical material. The area is located west of Bagdad Mine, near U.S. There are also other types of obsidian specimens to be found there. Burro Creekīurro Creek in western Arizona is another targeted site for Apache Tears. According to legend, whoever possesses one will never cry again! 3. There is a popular trail, called the Perlite Road, for collecting these sought-after nuggets. They are usually smooth and round, formed by weathering by wind and water. The nodules can be found embedded in the rock or washed downstream and deposited around nearby creekbeds. Here is the site of a legendary massacre of Apache indians that lays claim to the origin of “ Apache Tears,” small nodules of obsidian common to the region. Near the town of Superior in south-central Arizona are several well-known obsidian sources, especially in the area of Pickpocket Mountain. ![]() An area called the Obsidian Tank is located on the west side of the mountain about 30 miles from Flagstaff, and loose obsidian stones are fairly common there. Many appear brown or gray from alluvium ash and weathering. Obsidain samples as large as 30 cm in diameter have be found here. ![]()
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