Worry Beads Black Obsidian Round 21 Beads 10 mm With Tassel. It is volcanic glass and its name comes from Obsius, who first brought this material from Ethiopia. When it comes from New Mexico, it is called "Apache Tears." Obsidian was used as early as the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras for making tools, such as arrows. The oldest findings date back to 7000 BC. In historical times, it has a purely decorative role.