Descriptions
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AGATE -Found in many locations the world over, it comes in several color variations. Inside, agate reveals an amazing variety of colors and patterns and has distinctive banding, as well. Mohs Hardness is 6.5 to 7 It is thought to increase ones courage and self-confidence when worn.
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AMETHYST - Amethyst is ther best known and most valuable form of quartz. It's color varies from pale lavender to deep purple and is found in Brazil, Russia, Ecuador, and other countries and has a hardness of 6.5 to 7. The variance in color is caused by iron or manganese compound impurities in this mineral. It is thought to bring peace, stability and strength to the wearer. Should not be worn in the sun. |
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GREEN AVENTURINE - This is a quartzite gemstone composed of interlocking grains of quartz and small mica crystals. Mohs Hardness is 7. From India, it varies in color intensity and it has been used in traditional cultures to promote leadership abilities.
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CARNELIAN - A reddish, translucent stone from the chalcedony family is found in India. Its color comes from its iron oxide content and on the Mohs scale of hardness is 6.5 to 7. Thought to improve perception and harmonal balance. In Roman times it was used to protect against envy, fear and rage. |
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HEMATITE - This is really iron oxide from an iron ore and these stones are opaque with iridescent surfaces that are blackish gray, with a hardness of 6 to 6.5. Thought to enhance mental capabilities. |
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JASPER -A very popular and expansive variety of jaspers exist the world over. It is often striped, speckled and multi-colored and can be brown, yellow, red, green and white. It is a type of quartz from the chalcedony family. Used as a stone of protection for thousands
of years, many are highly unusual and intriguing. |
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LAPIS LAZULI -Dark to medium blue, this stone is from the Middle East and is composed of lazurite, pyrite and calcite. It has a hardness of 5 to 6 Used in Biblical times and the choice stone of Cleopatra of Egypt to gain wisdom and protection. |
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MALACHITE - An opaque, semi-precious stone with layers of deep green & light green usually found in copper mines, and is about 57%
copper. Miniature carvings were done by the Russians on a large scale at one time. Ancient Egyptians prized Malachite in their jewelry. It has a hardness of 3.5 to 4. It is thought to bring fidelity and strength in relationships when worn.
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MOONSTONE - For all relationships, family, mates and lovers, to keep the existing harmony or to restore it, also used to attract new a new one. |
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BLACK Onyx- A semi-precious stone occurring naturally in black and is generally dyed to achieve a more uniform color. It is a form of agate and has a hardness of 6.5 to 7. This stone has been a popular one when combined with gold. It was thought to banish grief when worn.
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OBSIDIAN -Also called "Apache tears," Obsidian is a volcanic glass that can be black, red, brown, grey and rarely green. Often it is found with many of these colors combined with each other. Most Obsidian is 70% silica and has a hardness of 5. The ancient Aztecs used it to make tools and weapons. Snowflake Obsidian is black with white inclusions. |
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RHODOCHROSITE -This semi-precious mineral is found in Argentina, Peru, Germany, Mexico, and U.S.(Montana & Colorado). It is usually rose colored with variegated cream banding and is composed of Manganese Carbonate with a hardness of 3.5 to 4.5. Thought to have qualities to promote emotional balance when worn. |
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SODALITE- A dark blue mineral often with streaks of white, gray, pink or green. Found in Brazil, Canada, India, Italy, U.S., Nambia & Russia. It is one of the components of Lapis. It has a hardness of 5.5 to 6. Thought to promote digestion and help with sleep disorders. |
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TURQUOISE -A porous semi-precious stone found in many shades of blue and green and is often enhanced to stabilize it. First believed to be found in mines in Turkey, Iran and Sinai Peninsula(Egypt), it can be mined in desert regions worldwide including the U.S. Over the years, oil from your skin is absorbed by the stone and it will change the color. Hardness is at 6 on the Mohs scale. Thought to bring high spiritual insight and guidance in life. |
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Paua (Blue-green iridescent):Species of Abalone, found in New Zealand and formed into many shapes for jewelry making. It is often epoxy- coated to protect against breakage, provide stability and to enhance iridescence, and can be dyed into several colors such as green, pink, blue and purple. Traditionally it has been used in the South Sea Islands to promote creativity and imagination. It has a hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale, before any protective coating is added. |
