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What is Rose Quartz?

rose quartz

Rose quartz is a translucent pink to rose-red variety of quartz. It is rarely found as a crystal and is far more common in massive form.

Among gemstones, rose quartz is considered a semiprecious stone that may be used in jewelry. The earliest known use of rose quartz in civilization was in 7000 BC, where in archaeological sites, researchers have found beads made from Rose Quartz in Egypt and other ancient civilizations.

Rose quartz stones that are nearly transparent are sometimes cut to make flat surfaces called facets, to better reflect light. Rose quartz is also popular in the new age community for perceived metaphysical properties. (1)

Rose quartz has a hardness of 7 and no cleavage, which make it an excellent choice for any type of jewelry use. This quartz variety has long been known as an opaque to translucent gem material. Indeed, it remains a popular choice for spheres, beads, decorative objects, and other types of carvings as well as cabochons. 

In the 1980s, transparent material was discovered in Madagascar. As a result, faceted rose quartzes entered the jewelry stone market. 

With romantic associations due to its color as well as good durability, rose quartzes can make beautiful and affordable engagement ring stones. Rose quartzes are also considered alternative gemstones for 2nd and 5th wedding anniversary gifts.

Identifying Rose Quartzes

Rose quartzes cut as gems seldom show transparency, especially above 20-30 carats. Large spheres will appear milky at best.

Asterism (1)

Asterism, or the “star stone” effect, occurs rarely in quartz but is especially striking in rose quartzes. Since these gems may contain microscopic inclusions of rutile needles, cabs can sometimes show a six-rayed star when properly cut. Some cabs may display chatoyancy, a “cat’s eye” effect. 

Rose quartzes may also display another phenomenal effect, Tyndall scattering, which occurs very rarely in gemstones. Fine particles of the appropriate size suspended in a medium can make light appear blue. While dust in the air makes the daytime sky blue, inclusions in some rose quartzes can turn all or part of the gem blue, when light strikes at the proper angle. This rare effect appears relatively frequently in Madagascar material.

Rose quartz may share its color with some other very popular gemstones, but its specific gravity (2.651) and refractive index range (1.544-1.553) can help readily distinguish it from pink varieties of sapphire, spinel, tourmaline, and topaz, as well as the more rarely encountered kunzite.

Be aware that rose quartzes are sometimes sold under the misleading names of “American Ruby” or “Bohemian Ruby.” Of course, quartz and ruby (corundum) are distinct gem species.

What is “Pink Quartz”?

Although rose quartzes receive their pink color from inclusions, researchers have discovered another rarer type of pink quartz that gets its color through a different process. Natural irradiation causes color centers based on aluminum (Al) or phosphorus (P) to replace silicon (Si) in the quartz atom lattice.

Pink Quartz 2
Pink Quartz (1)

Although this quartz is still called “rose quartz,” some researchers have suggested naming it “pink quartz” to distinguish it from the more commonly encountered rose quartz, since it demonstrates some different physical and optical properties. Pink quartzes occur in euhedral or regular, distinct crystal shapes with well-formed faces, whereas rose quartzes occur in anhedral or irregular, intergrown crystal shapes with less distinct faces. Pink quartz may also show greater transparency.

Most significantly for jewelry use or display, pink quartzes have significant sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light. They can lose their color rapidly under exposure. Irradiation can restore the color. 

In contrast, the more common rose quartzes don’t have this sensitivity. (2)

Is love on your mind?

Whether you’re searching for a new relationship, deepening a romantic partnership, learning to love yourself, or simply wanting to bring more love into your life, Rose Quartz crystals and jewelry are the perfect for you.

(1)

As a stone of love, the Rose Quartz meaning represents a powerful crystal for anyone seeking to bring more love into their life. The Rose Quartz healing properties connect to the heart chakra, the center of love. By opening and healing your heart center, the Rose Quartz chakra helps guide you to deepen relationships and embrace kindness, compassion, tenderness, and love toward yourself and those around you. (3)

Stone Sizes

Unlike most other colored crystalline quartz varieties, rose quartz doesn’t form large, facetable rough. Transparent gems rarely exceed 30 carats, although translucent specimens can weigh several pounds.

The Smithsonian Institution holds a sphere of Brazilian star rose quartz that weighs 615 carats.

Caring for Rose Quartzes

Since rose quartzes often contains inclusions, refrain from cleaning these gems with mechanical systems. Instead, use warm water, detergent, and a soft brush.

Reserve any jewelry made from the euhedral “pink quartz” variety for evening or occasional wear only. Store it in darkness, away from sunlight or other UV light sources, to preserve its color. (2)

Sources

(1) Wikipedia
(2) International Gem Society
(3) Energy Muse

In My Shop

Plush Pink Jewelry Sets

Plush Pink Jewelry Sets

$37.00

These Plush Pink Jewelry Sets are composed of 8mm Red Rhodochrosite, 6 & 8mm Natural Rose Quartz Gemstone, 10mm Orange Moonlight Sunstone, Gold-plated Spacer Beads, Bead Caps and Earring and Necklace Components

2 in stock

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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.

(2)

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).

(2)

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.

(2)

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

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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
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
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
Fire Agate (2)

Fire

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

Lace Agate
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
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

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

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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

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