Black Obsidian Worry Beads Round with 21 Beads 12 mm and Tassel. It is volcanic glass, named after Obsius, who first brought it from Ethiopia. When it comes from New Mexico, it is called "Apache Tears." Obsidian has been used since 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.