Author: scottjewelrydesign

This all began years ago when I was producing craft tutorial videos for When Creativity Knocks. I became fascinated with polymer clay jewelry making and started making my own. Bead jewelry followed and now I have a nice inventory of products for sale on www.scottjewelrydesign.com and Bonanza
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What is Lapis Lazuli?

Lapis Lazuli Stones

Lapis lazuli, or lapis for short, is a deep-blue metamorphic rock. It is used as a semi-precious stone. It has been prized since antiquity for its intense color. The name comes from the Persian word for the gem, lāžward. Lapis lazuli is a rock composed primarily of lazurite, pyrite, and calcite. As early as the 7th millennium BC, people mined lapis lazuli in the Sar-i Sang mines and in Shortugai. It was also mined in other mines in Badakhshan province in modern northeast Afghanistan. Lapis lazuli artifacts are dated to 7570 BC. They have been found at Bhirrana, which is the oldest site of Indus Valley civilisation. Lapis was highly valued by the Indus Valley Civilisation (3300–1900 BC). Lapis beads have been found at Neolithic burials in Mehrgarh, the Caucasus, and as far away as Mauritania. It was used in the funeral mask of Tutankhamun (1341–1323 BC).

Lapis lazuli has been used since ancient times and remains popular today. This gemstone has been prized for its bright, blue color. It is used for inlay and intarsia. It is also used for pigments for cosmetics and paintings. Its eye appeal is irresistible. Today, jewelry is its predominant use.

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Lapis lazuli value is determined almost exclusively by color. A deep, intense, blue with violet tones would be at the apex. Fine grained, uniform specimens can attain a smooth, highly polished surface not seen in lower grades.

Calcite inclusions almost always lower the value. Pyrite inclusions enhance it in the minds of many collectors and jewelry lovers. Although enthusiasts may debate how much pyrite is ideal in lapis lazuli, most would agree on one thing. The stone is better with less calcite. Calcite can appear as streaks or patches within the darker blue. It can also predominate in the mix, giving the rock an overall lighter blue shade.

Polish quality and faceting artistry also affect value.

The ancient Roman natural historian Pliny the Elder admired lapis lazuli for its colors. He called it “a fragment of the starry firmament,” because it is deep blue with twinkling bits of gold. Lapis lazuli (also simply referred to as lapis) is actually a rock. It is composed of lazurite, haüyne, sodalite, and nosean. These are all members of the sodalite group of minerals. (Lazurite itself may be considered a sulfur-rich haüyne).

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Archeologists have found lapis lazuli beads, jewelry, and carvings at numerous sites, some dating as early as 6,000 BCE. The use of this gem material for art and jewelry probably originated in Afghanistan. It spread to Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and the Roman world. In the Latin-speaking world of classical antiquity, many gemstones called sapphire or sapphirus may have been pieces of lapis. These names mean “blue stone.” In classical antiquity’s Latin-speaking world, many gemstones called sapphire or sapphirus may have been pieces of lapis. These names mean “blue stone

By the end of the Middle Ages, lapis lazuli began to be exported to Europe. It was ground into powder. The powder was made into the pigment ultramarine. Ultramarine was used by some of the most important artists of the Renaissance and Baroque. These artists include Masaccio, Perugino, Titian, and Vermeer. Ultramarine was often reserved for the clothing of the central figures of their paintings. This was especially true for the Virgin Mary. Ultramarine has also been found in dental tartar of medieval nuns and scribes. This might have been due to them licking their painting brushes while producing medieval texts. It was common when working on manuscripts.

Lapis lazuli usually occurs in crystalline marble as a result of contact metamorphism.

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Lapis takes an excellent polish and can be made into jewellery, carvings, boxes, mosaics, ornaments, small statues, and vases. Interior items and finishing buildings can be also made with lapis. During the Renaissance, lapis was ground and processed to make the pigment ultramarine for use in frescoes and oil painting. Its usage as a pigment in oil paint largely ended during the early 19th century. This change occurred when a chemically identical synthetic variety became available.

Lapis lazuli is commercially synthesized or simulated by the Gillson process. This process is used to make artificial ultramarine and hydrous zinc phosphates. Spinel or sodalite, or dyed jasper or howlite, can be substituted for lapis. (1)

Sources

(1) Wikipedia
(2) Photos by Freepik

In My Shop

Multicolor Lapis Lazuli Bracelets

Multicolor Lapis Lazuli Bracelets

$21.00

These Multicolor Lapis Lazuli Bracelets are composed of 8mm Natural Multicolor Lapis Lazuli Beads and elastic cord

SKU: SJDB156
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What is Agate?

Agate Rhodochrosite

Agate is a variety of chalcedony, a cryptocrystalline form of quartz. Translucency, patterns of color, or moss-like inclusions may distinguish this stone from other forms of chalcedony. Agates can show a wide variety of vivid, multiple colors. These are principally the result of traces of oxides of iron, manganese, titanium, chromium, nickel, and other elements. All agates take a wonderful polish and are tough enough for most jewelry uses. Designers often take advantage of the intriguing patterns these stones have to offer to create unique and fascinating pieces.

Varieties of Agate

The color patterns in agates usually take the form of flat or concentric layers or bands. Mossy or dendritic inclusions can sometimes create the impression of vegetation and landscapes.  Varieties of this gemstone are described by their color patterns, inclusions, or source

Banded Agate (2)

Banded

With regular color layers and bright colors, this variety is one of the most popular. These stones are found all around the world, but Brazil is one of the most productive sources. Many of the richly colored, banded agates you see for sale are dyed.

Moss Agate (2)

Moss, Plume, and Dendritic

These stones contain mossy inclusions of mineral oxides that may be any color. Stones that present plant-like patterns are called moss agates. Those with feather-like patterns are called plume agates. Those with tree-like, branching patterns are called dendritic agates.

Picture or Scenic

Some inclusions can create the appearance of whole landscapes, complete with lakes, shorelines, trees, and shrubs, within an agate. Stones that show these “natural pictures” are treasured.

Fire Agate (2)

Fire

Inclusions of plate-like crystals of limonite make fire agates iridescent. Cutting and polishing can enhance this effect.

Lace Agate (2)

Lace

Noted for their delicate designs, these stones are banded with intricate swirls and loops. Mexico is one of the premier sources of this material.

Iris

These stones show iridescent colors reflecting from between the color layers.

Shell Agate (2)

Shell

Embedded, silicified shells create patterns in these agates. Turritella agate is composed mostly of shells and shell fragments of the gastropod turritella and certain other species.

Petrified Wood

Fossilized ancient tree trunks and limbs may have their organic components replaced by agate stone over millions of years. In some cases, their woody structure may also be preserved and visible with a microscope. The agate’s color may be very bright and strong.

Enhancements

Dyeing is an ancient and common practice for enhancing agates. (Chalcedony stones are relatively porous). This is usually a stable process.

A celebrated secret process for dyeing agates was developed in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, in the 19th century. When the agate deposits in this town were depleted, emigrants to South America shipped grey agates back to Idar-Oberstein. These pieces were dyed and the results were extraordinary. (1)

Sources

(1) International Gem Society
(2) Photos by Freepik

In My Shop

Morganite and Agate Necklace

Morganite and Agate Necklace

$35.00

This Morganite and Agate Necklace  is composed of Natural Optimized Purple Morganite, Natural Stone Vein Agate beads and gold-plated necklace components

1 in stock

SKU: SJDB126
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What is Tiger’s Eye?

Tiger's Eye Stone

Tiger’s eye (also called tiger eye) is a chatoyant gemstone that is usually a metamorphic rock with a golden to red-brown colour and a silky lustre. As members of the quartz group, tiger’s eye and the related blue-coloured mineral hawk’s eye gain their silky, lustrous appearance from the parallel intergrowth of quartz crystals and altered amphibole fibres that have mostly turned into limonite. (1)

Silky and dressed in ocean shades, the Blue Tigers Eye stone is full of soothing energy and known for its ability to bring emotional balance, comfort, and harmony to all who call on its protective properties. Blue Tigers Eye is known by other names – Falcon’s Eye, Tigers Eye, Hawks Eye, Ox Eye, and Tiger Iron. . You can get gold Tigers Eye, Red Tigers Eye, and Blue Tigers Eye and each carry their own properties. The blue color version shares similar vibes with the classic Tigers Eye as it is the transition point between a stone turning from Hawks Eye to Tigers Eye and at this earlier stage it weaves in those spiritual elements of blue. 

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Since ancient times, Tigers Eye has been linked to the energy of the sun god Ra and was beloved as a talisman in battle thanks to its breath of courage and rare resilience This good luck stone can be found in India, Brazil, Canada, and Namibia. We take a deep dive into the healing properties of the Blue Tigers Eye.

The Blue Tigers Eye is a stunning spiritual stone. It finds a unique balance between nurturing strength and courage and ensuring you stay calm and connected no matter what life throws at you. As a strong and willing stone, the Blue Tigers Eye works across the body, mind, and soul. We take a look at the physical and metaphysical properties of this blue balancing gem. (2)

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Gems are usually given a cabochon cut to best display their chatoyance. Red stones are developed by gentle heat treatments. Dark stones are artificially lightened to improve colour using a nitric acid treatment.[9]

Honey-coloured stones have been used to imitate the more valued cat’s eye chrysoberyl, cymophane, but the overall effect is often unconvincing. Artificial fibre optic glass is a common imitation of tiger’s eye, and is produced in a wide range of colours. (1)

In My Shop

Blue Tiger’s Eye Necklace

Blue Tiger’s Eye Necklace

$36.00

This Blue Tiger’s Eye Necklace is composed of 10mm Natural Blue Tiger’s Eye and 6mm white spacer beads along with silver plated necklace components.

1 in stock

SKU: SJDB004
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Sources

(1) Wikipedia
(2) Tiny Rituals
(3) Photos by Freepik

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What is Turquoise?

Turquoise stone

Admired since ancient times, turquoise is known for its distinct color, which ranges from powdery blue to greenish robin egg blue. It’s one of few minerals to lend its name to anything that resembles its striking color.

The word “turquoise” dates back to the 13th century, drawing from the French expression pierre tourques, which referenced the “Turkish stone” brought to Europe from Turkey.

Ancient Persia (now Iran) was the traditional source for sky blue turquoise gemstones. This color is often called “Persian blue” today, regardless of its origin. The Sinai Peninsula in Egypt was also an important historical source of turquoise gems.

The U.S. is now the world’s largest turquoise supplier. Nevada, New Mexico, California, and Colorado have produced turquoise, but Arizona leads in production by value, as well as quality. The stone’s popularity here makes it a staple in Native American jewelry.

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Turquoise is found in arid regions where rainwater dissolves copper in the soil, forming colorful nodular deposits when it combines with aluminum and phosphorus. Copper contributes blue hues, while iron and chrome add a hint of green.

Some turquoise contains pieces of host rock, called matrix, which appear as dark webs or patches in the material. This can lower the stone’s value, although the uniform “spiderweb” pattern of Southwestern turquoise is attractive.

Turquoise is sensitive to direct sunlight and solvents like makeup, perfume, and natural oils. The hardest turquoise only measures 6 on the Mohs scale, which made this soft gemstone popular in carved talismans throughout history.

From ancient Egyptians to Persians, Aztecs and Native Americans, kings and warriors alike admired turquoise for thousands of years. It adorned everything from jewelry to ceremonial masks to weapons and bridles.

Highly esteemed for its striking namesake color and its ancient history, turquoise’s popularity remains timeless. (2)

In My Shop

Natural Turquoise Stone Bead Necklaces

Natural Turquoise Stone Bead Necklaces

$27.00

These Natural Turquoise Stone Bead Necklaces are composed of Natural Turquoise Stone Beads, Natural African Turquoise Stone Beads, gold-plated round spacer beads and toggle clasp

2 in stock

SKU: SJDB098
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Sources

(1) Image by tohamina on Freepik
(2) American Gem Society
(3) Image by Freepik

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What is Anhydrite (Angelite)?

Angelite in hands

Rare and difficult to cut, anhydrite is seldom faceted. However, this material can be carved into beautiful objects. “Angelite,” a blue-gray variety, has become a popular choice for lapidary arts.

This translucent, blue-gray anhydrite variety known by the trade name “angelite” or “angeline” has become a popular gem material. Discovered in Peru, it was introduced to worldwide gem markets in the late 1980s. This material has been used for beads, spheres, and carvings. Of course, these trade names carry deliberate angelic connotations. The gem’s color may evoke sky blue or, perhaps, a “heavenly” blue.

Does Anhydrite Make a Good Jewelry Stone?

Anhydrite doesn’t occur in abundance. When exposed to water over time, it alters into the much more commonly found gypsum. Not surprisingly, facetable material is rarer still.

With excellent cleavage planes in three directions, anhydrites also prove challenging to cut and fragile for wear. Furthermore, with a hardness range of 3-3.5, they’re very susceptible to scratching, which further limits their use as jewelry stones. Avoid ring use and use protective settings whenever possible with this gem. Consider creating earrings, pendants, and bracelets, instead. Artisans have carved objects and cut cabochons from this material. Of course, carvings and decorative objects will hopefully face fewer risks than jewelry.

Anhydrite Bowel Stone (2)

Other Anhydrite Varieties

Although angelite is the most well-known anhydrite variety, various types of anhydrites with lapidary uses or unusual appearances have also received trade names. (1)

  • Bowel Stone
    Anhydrite that occurs in folded, concretionary forms is known as bowel stone. This variety name also carries deliberate connotations.
  • Blue “Egyptian” Anhydrite
    The Ancient Egyptians used white anhydrite as well as a distinctive blue-tinted variety to create beautiful objects. However, the ancient source of the blue material, which takes a good polish, has never been found.
  • Vulpinite
    This white-gray, marble-like textured material from Volpino, Italy is used locally for cabs and as a decorative stone.

Identifying Characteristics

Because of the intersection of anhydrite’s cleavage planes at right angles, these gems may break apart and reveal cube-like (pseudo-cubic) forms. This appearance has led to another name for this gemstone: “cube spar.” Despite appearances, anhydrites have an orthorhombic crystal habit, not a cubic or isometric habit. (1)

Blue “Egyptian” Anhydrite (2)

How to Care for Anhydrites

Keep any anhydrites dry, especially if placed in storage. They will readily absorb moisture and, over time, turn wholly or partly into gypsum.

Don’t wipe dust off anhydrites. Since household dust consists mostly of silicon quartz, which is far harder (7) than anhydrites, you’ll scratch them. Pat them with a lint-free cloth, instead. (1)

Sources
(1) International Gem Society
(2) FreePik

In My Shop

Angelite and Agate Necklaces

Angelite and Agate Necklaces

$32.00

These Angelite and Agate Necklaces are composed of 8mm Natural Green Angelite Gemstone, 8mm Natural Blue Dragon Agate, silver-plated round spacer beads and magnetic clasps.

2 in stock

SKU: SJDB149
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What is Polymer Clay?

Polymer Clay Selection

Polymer clay is a type of hardenable modeling clay based on the polymer polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It typically contains no clay minerals, but like mineral clay a liquid is added to dry particles until it achieves gel-like working properties. Similarly, the part is put into an oven to harden, hence its colloquial designation as clay. Polymer clay is generally used for making arts and craft items, and is also used in commercial applications to make decorative parts. Art made from polymer clay can now be found in major museums.

Bakelite, an early plastic, was popular with designers and was an early form of polymer clay, but the phenol base of uncured Bakelite was flammable and was eventually discontinued. Polymer clays were first formulated as a possible replacement for Bakelite. One of these formulations was brought to the attention of German doll maker Käthe Kruse in 1939. While it was not suitable for use in her factory, Kruse gave some to her daughter Sophie, who was known in the family as “Fifi”, who successfully used it as modeling clay. The formulation was later sold to Eberhard Faber and marketed under the name “FIMO” (FIfi’s MOdeling compound).

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Polymer clays contain a basis of PVC resin and a liquid plasticizer,[4] making it a plastisol. Polymer clay plastisol is also categorized as a plastigel because of its rheological properties.[5] It is a high yield thixotropic material: when a sufficient force is applied, the material yields, flowing like a viscous liquid until that force is removed, whereupon it returns to being a solid. This plasticity is what makes it useful as modeling clay as opposed to putty or paste. Plastigels retain their shape even when heat is applied, which is why polymer clay does not melt or droop when oven cured. Various gelling agents are added to give it this property, such as aminated bentonite, metallic soaps, or fumed silica.

The base resin can be modified in various ways. Mineral oil, lecithin, and odorless mineral spirits can be added to reduce its viscosity or alter its working properties. Small amounts of zinc oxide, kaolin, or other fillers are sometimes added to increase opacity, elastic modulus, or compression strength. Polymer clay is available in many colors, which can be mixed to create a wide range of colors or gradient blends. Special-effect colors and composites include translucent, fluorescent, phosphorescent, and faux “pearls”, “metallics”, and “stone.”

Polymer clay remains workable until cured. Curing occurs at temperatures from 265 °F (129 °C) to 275 °F (135 °C) sustained for 15 minutes per 1⁄4 inch (6.4 mm) of thickness.[1] This temperature is significantly less than for mineral clays and can be achieved using a home oven. Professional polymer clay brands shrink very little when cured. Brands of polymer clay include Cernit, Oytra, Fimo, Kato Polyclay, Sculpey, PVClay Brasil, Crafty Argentina and Cosclay.

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A home pasta-making machine is a popular multi-purpose tool for polymer clay artists. It is used to create sheets of uniform thickness, to mix colors or create variegated sheets, and to condition (soften) the clay. Polymer clay generally needs to be conditioned before use. This involves kneading the clay by hand, passing it between two rollers, or using a low-shear mixer to break up any resin particle adhesions. Once conditioned, the clay will remain pliable until the particles eventually re-adhere.

Oven-hardenable PVC plastisol, “liquid polymer clay,” is a complement to polymer clay that can be used as an adhesive to combine pieces, or to create various effects. Pigments, chalk pastel, and regular polymer clay can be added to make colored liquid clay. The liquid can also be poured into molds to produce cast parts. (1)

In My Shop

White Pink Heart Earrings

White Pink Heart Earrings

$23.00

These White Pink Heart Earrings are composed of Polymer Clay and Gold-Plated Earring Components including Studs

SKU: SJDB154
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Sources

(1) Wikipedia
(2) FreePik
(3) Sculpey

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What is Citrine?

Citrine Pendant

Citrine is the yellow to red-orange variety of crystalline quartz. Clever marketing and the rise of “earth tone” fashions have made this durable and readily available gem a popular jewelry stone in recent years.

Citrine Stone [2]

In terms of color, at the top end of the scale, you’ll find prime specimens of the most saturated yellow, orange, and reddish tones. Those with less intense color fall into lower value ranges, with pale or smoky stones at the bottom.

There’s no exponential increase in value per carat with increase in size, as larger sizes are readily available. Inclusions will decrease value.

As with any gem material, custom cutting increases value. In many fancy cut or carved specimens, most of the value is due to the artistry of the cutting.

Citrine was once the Rodney Dangerfield of the gem world. Due to its abundance, it would “get no respect,” as it were. In recent decades, this perception has changed, partly because earth-tone jewelry has come into vogue. Home shopping networks have also marketed the various shades of citrine aggressively, with catchy adjectives like “butterscotch” and “whiskey.” Apparently, this has worked. Citrine is now a modern alternative birthstone for November.

Mining actually yields very little citrine. The vast majority of citrine on the market is produced by heating smoky quartz (which produces light to medium yellows) and amethyst (which produces stronger yellows and orange-red to orangey brown shades). Natural stones usually occur in pale yellow colors, often with smoky tones.

Citrine Earring [2}

Citrine as a Jewelry Stone

Citrines make fine jewelry stones. With no cleavage and a hardness of 7, they can be used for any jewelry application. Like most quartz, it’s available in large sizes. Thus, custom gem cutters can easily use this stone for dramatic and intricate cuts.

Citrine’s yellow colors are due to the presence of ferric iron, colors traditionally associated with topaz. Confusion between these gemstones does occur, even though quartz and topaz are distinct gem species.

Misnomers

In the past, people commonly referred to citrine by misleading names, such as “Brazilian topaz,” “Madeira topaz,” and even “topaz quartz.” Unscrupulous vendors can still take advantage of the long association of yellow with topaz to pass off inexpensive citrines as more expensive topaz pieces. For more examples, consult our list of misleading or false gemstone names.

Care

Citrines make durable jewelry stones that require little special care. However, heat-treated stones may fade when exposed to heat. Thus, avoid steam cleaning or boiling your citrine jewelry. Instead, use either ultrasonic cleaning or simply warm water, mild detergent, and a soft brush.

Although usually free of inclusions, citrines with low clarity grades — with liquids, gases, or crystals trapped within them — should be cleaned by hand only. However, any heat-treated citrines are most likely safe to clean in an ultrasonic cleaner. [1]

Sources

[1} International Gem Society
[2] Freepik

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What is Aquamarine?

Aquamarine stone

What is Aquamarine? Named after the color of sea water, aquamarine is the blue to blue-green member of the beryl family. Readily available and moderately priced, the modern March birthstone makes an excellent jewelry stone.

White Blue Chocolate Candy Aquamarine [2]

What is the Color of Aquamarine?

This beautiful gem receives its coloring from trace amounts of ferrous iron. Its hues range can range from blueish green, blue-green, greenish blue, to deep blue, and its tones can vary from very light to moderately dark. You’ll rarely see aquamarines darker than a Swiss blue topaz. When you do, the color is usually enhanced by the cut.

You might encounter gemstones sold as “white aquamarines.” Be aware that such stones are most likely colorless beryls, also known as goshenites.

What Does Aquamarine Symbolize?

In Western cultures, due to aquamarine’s color and name, this gem has a folklore strongly connected to the sea. Its mystical purview traditionally includes protection for sailors and fishermen as well as travelers in general.

What Inclusions do Aquamarines Contain?

Inclusions are interesting features of this gemstone. Beryl, and aquamarine in particular, are known for having long, hollow tubes. This distinctive feature can help identify a gem as a member of the beryl family.

Aquamarines may have transparent and metallic inclusions, such as biotite, hematite, ilmenite, phlogopite, pyrite, and  rutile in skeletal crystals. They may also contain crystals of apatite, cassiterite, epidote, garnet, muscovite; quartz, and tourmaline. Some stones contain “snow-stars,” irregularly shaped liquid droplets in a star formation. The Martha Rocha aquamarine has notable “snow-star” inclusions.

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Aquamarine Cat’s Eyes and Star Stones

With enough hollow tube inclusions and proper cutting, aquamarines can show chatoyancy and even asterism. Collectors prize beautiful cat’s eye aquamarines very highly, and their prices come very close to that of clean, faceted gems with the same coloring. Star aquamarines are even more rare than cat’s eyes and can command premium prices.

Are There Lab-Created Aquamarines?

Aquamarines can be synthesized, and an examination under a microscope may find some indications of synthetic origin. However, professional gem labs have advanced instruments that can distinguish natural from created aquamarines.

Are Aquamarine Gemstones Enhanced?

Most aquamarines come out of the ground with a greenish tint, but this will disappear after heating to 375° C, which leaves a pure blue color. Removing aquamarine’s green tinting through heat treatment is very common. In the past, this was done routinely. Nowadays, a more sophisticated public has started appreciating slightly green, untreated aquamarines. However, distinguishing this heating process proves impossible. Therefore, gem graders should describe any pure blue aquamarines as “probably heat treated.”

In the 1970s, Maxixe (pronounced mah-SHE-she), a very dark blue aquamarine, appeared on the market, but the color of this irradiated product wasn’t stable. Although these stones have mostly disappeared from the market, if you’re ever offered a very deep blue aquamarine, buyer beware.

You can distinguish the Maxixe from a natural aquamarine by its lack of pleochroism. Natural aquamarines have distinct blue and colorless dichroism. On the other hand, the Maxixe has no pleochroism. When viewed from any angle, it just shows blue. The absorption spectrum of natural aquamarine and the Maxixe also differs. With a spectroscope, you’ll see a narrow line at 6950, a strong line at 6540, and weak lines at 6280, 6150, 5500, and 5810. This differs considerably from natural aquamarine’s spectrum, with a broad band at 4270 and a diffuse band at 4560.

You can also distinguish a Maxixe aquamarine from a natural stone with a dichroscope. Both windows remain blue when viewing a Maxixe. In contrast, one window should be colorless or pale yellowish when viewing an untreated specimen.

Where are Aquamarine Gemstones Found?

  • Brazil is the world’s major source of fine aquamarine gems. Localities include Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Norte, Ceara, and others.
  • Madagascar has more than 50 specific localities that produce fine, blue gem material.
  • Other notable sources include the following:
  • United States: San Diego County, California (not much gem material); Mt. Antero, Colorado; Connecticut (some gem); Maine; North Carolina.

Aquamarine Trade Names

  • Brazilian aquamarine: blueish green. Also a misnomer for blueish green topaz.
  • Madagascar aquamarine: fine, medium blue.
  • Maxixe beryl: treated beryl with excellent aquamarine blue, known for fading. Also called halbanite.
  • Santa Maria aquamarine: medium-dark tone and highly saturated blue color.
  • Don’t assume aquamarines billed as “Brazilian” or “Madagascar” actually come from these sources. These terms may only refer to the color, so ask to see documentation to certify a gem’s origin. “Santa Maria” aquamarines are named after the Santa Maria de Itabira mine where they were first discovered, but stones with similar colors have also been found in other locations.

In My Shop

Aquamarine Necklace and Earrings Set

Sources

[1] International Gem Society
[2] Photos by Freepik

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What is Howlite?

howlite beads

Howlite was discovered near Windsor, Nova Scotia, in 1868 by Henry How (1828–1879), a Canadian chemist, geologist, and mineralogist. How was alerted to the unknown mineral by miners in a gypsum quarry, who found it to be a nuisance. He called the new mineral silico-boro-calcite; it was given the name howlite by the American geologist James Dwight Dana shortly thereafter.

Howlite Stone
[2]

Howlite is commonly used to make decorative objects such as small carvings or jewelry components. Because of its porous texture, howlite can be easily dyed to imitate other minerals, especially turquoise because of the superficial similarity of the veining patterns. Howlite is also sold in its natural state, sometimes under the trade names of “white turquoise” or “white buffalo turquoise,” or the derived name “white buffalo stone” and is used to produce jewelry similar to how turquoise is used. Varieties of the unrelated gemstone turquoise which are white instead of the typical blue or green color have been mined in the US States of Arizona and Nevada, and are also marketed as “white buffalo turquoise”. Most of the white varieties of turquoise are chalk-like with a Mohs hardness of 1, and are not as hard or durable as howlite, and subsequently require stabilization in order to be used in jewelry, which has resulted in howlite being more popular for use in jewelry than the artificially stabilized white forms of the mineral turquoise. [1]

Howlite is always opaque in nodules; it is an abundant material and easy to acquire. Sometimes it contains black, threadlike impurities resembling the veining in turquoise. Howlite is frequently dyed blue to resemble turquoise, and it makes a most convincing simulant. The white material is relatively unexciting in appearance. [3]

In My Shop

Sources

[1] Wikipedia
[2] Photo by Freepik
[3] International Gem Society

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What is Jasper?

Jasper Stone

Jasper is an opaque, solid or patterned variety of cryptocrystalline quartz which consists of very tiny quartz crystals colored by various mineral impurities. The names of various jaspers can come from their color: bloodstone, green, lemon; from their pattern: orbicular, poppy, leopardskin, landscape, Picasso; or from a place name: Morrisonite, Mookite. All types take an excellent polish, are trouble free to care for, and hardy enough for all jewelry uses. These stones are usually cabbed, sometimes carved, and seldom faceted. Jewelry use of jaspers goes back into the early history of civilization. Various forms of this material are also frequently made into decorative objects, such as ashtrays or bookends. Jaspers are found all over the world, with certain colors or patterns unique to particular locales. Most bloodstone comes from India, all Mookaite from Australia. [1]

Jaspers, in general, are very common; hence most of the value in a given piece relates to the saturation of its color, the beauty of its pattern or the artistry with which it is fashioned. Some types such as Imperial Jasper and Madagascar Jasper do command premium prices since they are relatively rare. In rock shops, pieces of commercial quality cut in simple shapes might be had for $5 or less. Fine material, cut in designer forms, generally ranges between $2 and $5 per carat. [1]

In Our Shop

Sources

[1] International Gem Society
[2} Images by freepik