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Gemstone Reference Page

Please use this page as a reference for gemstone colors, color variations, and for a bit of anecdotal information that we've learned about these semi-precious stones.

The list is presented in alphabetical order so that you can easily find the gemstones you are looking for. The stones are usually available in many different shapes and configurations. If more than one picture is shown, the pictures show some of the variation that you might expect to see in the gemstone.

Agate, Blue Lace

A naturally occuring agate that features delicate bands of pale blues and white. Smaller beads or pendants may show less banding than the larger stones.
Rock Lore & Tidbits: George Swanson discovered blue lace agate on his farm, Ysterputs Farm, in Namibia, which was called South West Africa at the time. He coined the term "Gem of Ecology" for it because of the swirling blues and whites which resemble clouds above the Earth (the fragile blue marble) as seen from space. The best blue lace agate in the world still comes from the narrow seam on George's farm.
Blue lace agate is considered a stone of communication. It can ease the harsh edge off communication in difficult times, enhance public speaking, and smooth discussions. It also brings tactfulness to speech and written communications. Blue lace agate is used in crystal healing to reduce or cure stuttering and other nervous speech habits and patterns.

Agate, Crazy Lace

Detailed wavy bands of creamy whites, tans, browns, golds, black and sometimes pinks make up this lovely, interesting agate.

Agate, Moss

Moss Agate gets is color from greenish, moss-like inclusions that come from a mineral called chlorite. Sometimes there will be so many inclusions that the beads will look almost black - but when you hold it up to the light, you will see the inclusions. Moss Agate can also be almost clear - or have white or light green inclusions. A web oriented note: It can sometimes be very difficult to take a good picture of Moss Agate - because the picture taking method tends to eliminate many of the 'greens'.

Amazonite
Russian Amazonite Chinese Amazonite
Amazonite is a mostly opaque stone that can range in color from very pale bluish green (Chinese Amazonite) to deep turquoise green (Russian Amazonite). Amazonite is a gem variety of microcline feldspar and is usually polished as a cabochon. It displays a schiller of light which is caused by inclusions. Schiller is a lustrous reflection from planes in a mineral grain and is similar to what is more commonly known as iridescence. The schiller is caused by a feature of the stone's crystal structure. Orthoclase feldspar and albite are present in close association, arranged in layers. This causes an interference effect of light. Amazonite is found in the United States, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Russia, Australia, Namibia. Amazonite is usually light green to blue-green, mottled and sometimes contains light striations. Enhances creative expression, aligns astral bodies, unity with life. Improves self worth. Amazonite is considered a soothing stone that offers confidence and works on the throat chakra. It is called the "hope stone" because it inspires confidence and hope. One source says it is useful to activate lazy teenagers. A semi-opaque stone that was used extensively by the Egyptians it is called the stone of courage and is said to be named after the Amazon women warriors. Some archaeological evidence suggests that the Amazonians were a matriarchal society during the Bronze Age. Another legend says the name Amazonite comes from the belief that it was found in the Amazon river.

Amazonite

Russian Amazonite Chinese Amazonite

Amazonite is a mostly opaque stone that can range in color from very pale bluish green (Chinese Amazonite) to deep turquoise green (Russian Amazonite).
Amazonite is a gem variety of microcline feldspar and is usually polished as a cabochon. It displays a schiller of light which is caused by inclusions. Schiller is a lustrous reflection from planes in a mineral grain and is similar to what is more commonly known as iridescence. The schiller is caused by a feature of the stone's crystal structure. Orthoclase feldspar and albite are present in close association, arranged in layers. This causes an interference effect of light.
Amazonite is found in the United States, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Russia, Australia, Namibia. Amazonite is usually light green to blue-green, mottled and sometimes contains light striations.
Enhances creative expression, aligns astral bodies, unity with life. Improves self worth. Amazonite is considered a soothing stone that offers confidence and works on the throat chakra. It is called the "hope stone" because it inspires confidence and hope. One source says it is useful to activate lazy teenagers.
A semi-opaque stone that was used extensively by the Egyptians it is called the stone of courage and is said to be named after the Amazon women warriors. Some archaeological evidence suggests that the Amazonians were a matriarchal society during the Bronze Age.
Another legend says the name Amazonite comes from the belief that it was found in the Amazon river.

Amber, Baltic

Amber sometimes has tiny air bubbles, fracture lines or tiny inclusions (insects or parts of plants can sometimes be seen). Amber is very soft and can also be affected by acids or solvents. It can also be ignited by a match and will smell like incense. Amber tends to turn Sterling and Silver-plated findings black, so you may want to select gold-plated findings when making selection in Amber. Amber is extremely light weight - people who are unfamiliar with it can mistake it for plastic, especially if there are few inclusions in the specimin.
Amber deposits have been found that range between 360 and one million years old and belong between the Carboniferous and Pleistocene geological periods. Amber is the fossilized, hardened resin from pine trees that lived about 50 million years ago. Most deposits of Amber are found in the Baltic region. As sticky resin oozed from ancient pine trees, small insects, plant material, feathers and other small objects in the path of the flow became entrapped. Over time, the resin was encased in dirt and debris and through a process of heat and pressure it fossilized to become amber.
There are many tests that can be performed to determine if the piece is natural amber or man-made. Of these, only the flotation test is recommended for the novice. Make a saturated solution of regular table salt and water and place the piece of amber in this mixture. If it floats, it is amber. If it sinks it is man-made (some natural copals will also sink and you would need to make more scientific tests to make a determination).

Amethyst

Faceted Rondell Amethyst Bead Strand - 5mm

Amethyst belongs to the quartz family and the purple color is due to traces of iron. Amethyst is actually a naturally occuring violet form of quartz. It is usually found in geodes of volcanic rocks. It's prices vary widely based on color (very dark purple to very pale), clarity (inclusions), and cut/shape. Colored purple-to-lilac, and ranging from opaque to transparent. Named from the Greek word "amethustos", meaning without wine. Amethyst is an especially powerful stone, a symbol of sincerity, security, and peace of mind. It protects, reduces negativity and brings spirituality - hence the name "Pope Stone". The Christian crusaders attached it to their rosaries. A stone of divine love.
Although some say amethyst is less powerful than fluorite, which also carries the purple ray, linked with the zodiac it can help psychic knowledge. Healers of times gone by suggest this stone could help dream inspiration if placed under the pillow at night. Legend even says drinking from an amethyst chalice will prevent intoxication

Ammonites

Ammonites are the ancient equivalent to the modern-day chambered Nautilus. These sea faring squids built a chambered shell in which they would pump air into the empty chambers and float at different levels of the ocean in search of food. This unique ability to float at different depths of the ocean is what inspired Jules Vern (the famous science fiction writer) to call the first submarine the Nautilus. Ammonites lived approximately 400 million years ago.

Aqua Aura

Aqua Aura is natural, clear quartz that has a permanent transparent, somewhat iridescent blue surface treatment. The exact process is a trade secret, but is said to be a combination of heat, pressure and exposure to vaporized pure gold. The gold is permanently bonded to the crystal structure of the quartz, creating the surface color. Since this is a surface treatment, care should be taken not to scratch the surface.

Aragonite

"Gem quality" Aragonite (the type used for calibrated and faceted stones) tends to be transparent and faintly green. The type used for beads and donuts (the type carried on our Jewelry Plus store) is pale yellow and is translucent to somewhat opaque. This is a very soft stone, so handle and store it with care. An interesting fact is that Pearls and Mother of Pearl are made primarily of Aragonite - pearl oysters and mussels utilize this mineral in the production of nacre.

Aventurine (Green)

Aventurine comes in several colors - but the most common in the bead world is the green. Aventurine is actually a greenish quartz that often contains tiny flakes of mica which give this stone it's depth and occasionally, a somewhat metallic appearance. This gemstone can vary in color from very pale, translucent green to deep, dark green and almost opaque.

Azurite Malachite

Azurite and Malachite are gemstones that are found in association with copper ores. While these two stones can be found together in nature - there is not enough raw material to satisfy demand.
Azurite is found in Australia, Chile, France, Mexico, Morocco, Nambia, the southwestern USA, and Zaire.
For thousands of years this stone has been used in jewelry and ornamental objects. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance it was ground into pigment for use in paint and eye shadow .Azurite was sacred to the Egyptians who believed it was an aid to spiritual communication.
Many believe that this stone helps to reduce anger and to increase psychic awareness. It is also thought to reduce abnormal cell growth, promote wisdom, and is used as an aid to relieve the paid of rheumatism.

Bloodstone

Bloodstone (sometimes also called Heliotrope) is an opaque or vitreous green stone with red/yellow spots. The stone is not jasper, but a dark green Chalcedony (cryptochrystalline quartz) with inclusions of red to brown. The luster of this stone can be anywhere from vitreous to waxy. The name Bloodstone comes from Christian's belief that the stone was created/symbolizes drops of Christ's blood falling on it. There are many sources for bloodstone worldwide.

Carnelian

Carnelian Agate is a bright red-orange to a deep, brown-orange chalcedony. Small beads will appear to be more translucent; large beads will appear more opaque. Items referred to as "Chinese Carnelian" will tend be more translucent and may have bands of lighter orange or clear/white.

Chalcedony, Blue

Approximately 24-37mm Free Form Blue Chalcedony Druzy Focal Bead Set Of 3

Chalcedony, which is found worldwide, is the name for a group of stones made of a microcrystalline or cryptocrystalline variety of quartz, which means the quartz crystals are too small to be seen without high magnification.
Chalcedony is bluish-grey-white gemstone. It can be rather translucent, with a waxy look to it - varying to somewhat opaque. It usually is prefixed by the word "Blue" to distiguish it from the geolgist's term "chalcedony" meaning a "cryptocrystalline quartz". The blue form is the best known version of this type of gemstone.
Chalcedony seems very smooth and hard when polished, but it actually is microscopically porous, making it easy to dye. In fact, if you accidently splash coffee on your chalcedony pendant, it can stain the stone - so be sure to rinse any spills with lots of water immediately.
Native American Indians believed chalcedony was a sacred stone and used in the spiritual ceremonies of the tribe.
It is thought to increase vitality, stamina, and endurance and to promote emotional balance and charity while relieving melancholy, fever, gallstones, and eye problems.

Charoite

Discovered in Russia in 1978 in the Murun mountains in Yakutia. This the only known location for this rare mineral. The name Charoite is derived from the Charo River which is near where it was found.
The colors range from bright lavender, violet and lilac to dark purple with swirling patterns of black Augite, transparent crystals of microcline feldspar, and/or orange Tinaksite.
Charoite is so unusual looking with its chatoyancy and strange looking spirally strands of fibrous material that it is often mistaken for a synthetic. It is used extensively in jewelry and as an ornamental stone carved into boxes, bookends and vases.
Charoite is said to enhance self-esteem, accelerate spiritual growth, and improve the ability to love. Since this is a recent discovery (1978), there are no known legends surrounding this stone..

Chrysocolla

The gemstone Chrysocolla is often confused with turquoise. It is a copper bearing mineral found wherever copper deposits occur especially in areas of the southwestern USA, Chili, Zaire, Australia, France and England.
Eliat Stone is a variegated blue and green mixture of chrysocolla and other copper minerals found in the Gulf of Aqaba, near the northwestern end of the Red Sea".
Pure chrysocolla is too soft for jewelry purposes but it is often found in quartz deposits which makes it hard enough to polish for cabochons. It is often found mixed with malachite, turquoise and azurite.
Chrysocolla is associated with tranquility and peace, intuition, patience, and unconditional love. It is thought to offer gentle and soothing qualities.

Chrysoprase

16" St Chrysoprase Round Beads 8mm Rare Apple Green

The gemstone Chrysoprase is an opalescent apple green colored variety of chalcedony (quartz). Most green stones owe their color to chromium or vanadium, but chrysoprase derives its color from the nickel content. It is found in Australia, Brazil, the Ural Mountains, and the U.S. and is the rarest of the chalcedony group.
Chrysoprase was used by the Greeks, Romans, and the Egyptians in jewelry and other ornamental objects and because of its semi-opaque green color, it is often mistaken for Imperial jadeite. One of the most valuable chalcedony gem stones, chrysoprase is prized for its color and rarity,
Gentle, soothing, friendly, spiritual protection, prevents depression, increases grace and equilibrium and is said to increase fertility.

Citrine

Citrine comes from the French word for lemon, and is any quartz crystal or cluster thats yellow to orange. The darker, orange colors were traditionally the best, but today people prefer bright lemony shades to mix with pastel colors. Citrine with man-made color tends to have more of an orange or reddish caste. Most natural citrine starts life as amethyst until heated in a molten state to change.
Most citrine comes from Brazil, but almost all of the Brazilian material is heat-treated amethyst. Natural citrine can also be found in the Ural Mountains of Russia, in Dauphine, France, and in Madagascar. The inexpensive low grade amethyst is heated at high temperatures to produce the popular orange, reddish and sherry colored citrine. Darker colors are considered more valuable, including the medium golden orange and dark sherry-colors.
Sunny and affordable, citrine brightens all jewelry, blending especially well with the yellow gleam of polished gold. The yellow color is a natural reviver, and citrine focuses the mind bringing a feeling of self-esteem. In medication it helps re-establish the link between your conscious and subconscious minds. If you are feeling down, try holding citrine to lift your spirit. It's also very good at healing the body and helping people communicate. Citrine has warm energy, promotes optimism, and attracts abundance.It is one of the few stones that removes negative energy and never requires cleansing.
In ancient times it was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts.

Coral
Sponge Coral, Bamboo Coral (dyed pink)
Sponge Coral is an organic gem composed of calcium carbonate and carotene. When polished and smooth, this precious material has visible pores, like a sponge. It's typically warmer in color and ranges anywhere from white, orange, and pink to black. Good quality coral has no fissures, spots, bands, or cavities and is rare. Often coral is enhanced to improve color and durability. Bamboo coral is a readily available (non-endangered) coral that is typically off white to tan in color. It is commonly dyed or bleached to look like more expensive (and endangered) coral. Our coral products are dyed with permanent, non-bleeding dyes.

Coral

Sponge Coral, Bamboo Coral (dyed pink)

Sponge Coral is an organic gem composed of calcium carbonate and carotene. When polished and smooth, this precious material has visible pores, like a sponge. It's typically warmer in color and ranges anywhere from white, orange, and pink to black. Good quality coral has no fissures, spots, bands, or cavities and is rare. Often coral is enhanced to improve color and durability.

Bamboo coral is a readily available (non-endangered) coral that is typically off white to tan in color. It is commonly dyed or bleached to look like more expensive (and endangered) coral. Our coral products are dyed with permanent, non-bleeding dyes.

Crinoid Fossil

Crinoid Fossil is a fossilized sea lily. Greys, creams and black make up the background of this gemstone. Usually (but not always) there will be some level of pinks mixed in this agate.

Chrysoprase

This green to apple green gemstone is considered one of the most valuable of the chalcedony group. The color comes from the presence of Nickel during the formation of the stone. Note that the color can vary greatly - and that there often are inclusions in the yellow, white and brown color tones. Chrysoprase can be adversely affected by heating - so be careful if you are soldering near this stone.

Drusi, Drusy, Druzy

39.8 ct FLAT Brown Druzy/Drusy Agate Oval Shape - 2839

Drusy, druse, druzy, drusies - different spellings, but they all mean tiny quartz crystals that form within or on the surface of other stones.
When ground water carrying dissolved silica is forced into a porous area of the rock, rapid cooling often occurs, causing the formation of tiny crystals on the surfaces or in cavities of the rock. The clear crystals often form on top of previously deposited minerals. This is called a drusy. Some minerals found in this form are chrysocolla, malachite, hematite, psilomelane, uvarovite, pyrite, carnelian and cobalto-calcite.
Titanium drusy is agate drusy that has been coated with titanium in a vacuum chamber. It produces a permanent metal coating in spectacular shades of bight, dark blue or an iridescent white.

Dumortierite

A deep blue stone, with occasional small traces of grey to cream inclusions (most bead related items are made from Dumortierite aggregate, rather than Dumortierite crystal). The aggregate is equivalent to quartz in hardness, though.

Fluorite

The Fluorite items we carry tend to be shades of purple, pale green, and almost clear stone. It is very common to see horizontal bands of color in this gemstone, as shown by the picture. Fluorite can also be found in a range of other colors, including yellow and gold tones and even blue tones. This is a very soft stone and is prone to scratching and fracturing.

Garnet

9.5" Grossular Green Garnet Marquise Briolettes Beads

Garnets are gemstones that are usually shades of red, but span the color spectrum. They may be opaque to transparent and are vitreous to resinous in luster. Red Garnet used for the bead market is often dyed to enhance the color. While the dye is colorfast (in the stone) it is wise to rinse them before using to remove any remaining dye on the surface.
Garnet occurs in every color except blue and most varieties are named for their color. Rhodolite is a purplish red, hessonite is the name for an orange, cinnamon, or pinkish variety. Tsavorite is the name given to dark green grossularite. Uvarovite and demantoid are also green varieties.
Pyrope garnets are purplish red, orangy red, crimson, or dark red. Spessartite garnets range from yellow and orange through red to reddish brown to dark black/brown. Color change garnets exhibit a "alexandrite-like" effect when viewed in natural light or artificial lighting.
Garnet's powers include healing, strength, and protection and it is often worn to relieve inflammations of the skin. It is also believed to regulate the heart and blood flow and aid in curing depression. In earlier times, garnets were exchanged as gifts between friends to demonstrate their affection for each other and to insure that they meet again.

Goldstone

Goldstone is not gold and it is not a 'stone'. It is a man-made material made from tiny copper flakes suspended in copper colored glass. At one time, this material was called "Monkstone", because the process of making it was originated by an Italian monk.

Goldstone, Blue

Similar to the Goldstone, above, this material is not a 'stone' or 'rock', but are tiny copper flakes in colored blue glass. The material is so dark blue that it sometimes looks black.

Hematite

Wholesale Lot of 24 Man-Made Hematite Necklaces

Singing "RattleSnake Eggs" Hematite Magnets.Oval/Round

Hematite is a very common mineral consisting of iron oxide. Its color ranges from steel gray to almost black (specular hematite), brown to reddish brown, or red. The variety known as rainbow hematite exhibits colors similar to oil patches on water. The drusy form of rainbow hematite is quite fragile and is usually backed with a quartz material to increase the stone's durability.
While the forms vary, they all have a rust-red streak. Hematite is harder than pure iron, but it is much more brittle.
The name hematite is derived from the Greek word haimatites for blood.
It is mined in Australia, Brazil (rainbow variety), England, Mexico, the United States and Canada. It is the state mineral of Alabama, USA where approximately 375 million tons were mined between l840 and 1975.
Hematite (iron ore) is a very common mineral on Earth and it also occurs everywhere on the planet Mars where it is responsible for the planet's distinctive red color. It was first identified on Mars by the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES), aboard Mars Global Surveyor.
Rainbow hematite is the trade name given foliated specular hematite which comes from a mine near Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
An important pigment known as "red ochre" it was used in cave paintings and paint pigment.In ancient times it was believed that large deposits of hematite formed on battlegrounds where soldiers were injured and lost blood from their battles.The ancient Egyptians placed hematite objects inside their tombs.
Hematite is believed to be a healing and grounding stone, strengthening the body and lessening life's stresses.It is thought to reduce stress and enhance one's personal magnetism. It is also thought to increase optimism and courage and helpful in transforming negativity.

Howlite, Lapis

Howlite is a nice, white stone that is commonly dyed to look like much more expensive stones. Lapis Lazuli is expensive - Lapis Howlite is dyed to look a bit like it. VERY dyed. Usually the dye job is pretty good. The rinse job sometimes is not. Please soak items made from this material in the sink before using them!

Howlite, Purple

Purple Howlite is dyed to look like Sugulite, a very expensive gemstone. Web-like black streaks often characterize this mineral. It polishes well and has a porcelaneous luster, often crystals are opaque to translucent. Howlite is mined largely in California.

Howlite, Turquoise

Just like the Howlite Lapis, above, this stone has been dyed to look like a much more expensive stone. Turquoise is expensive - Turquoise Howlite is dyed to look a bit like it. This product usually is not dyed as much as the Lapis Howlite. Still, please soak these in the sink before using them!

Howlite, White

Howlite in it's natural form is quite white, completely opaque, and usually has faint grey to black matrix marks throughout. The samples shown here are about as dark of matrix as we ever see - usually it will be fainter.

Hydro-Thermal Materials - "H-T"

These materials are quartz, ground to fine powder with the mineral substance of the natural mineral (for instance cobalt for the Blue Topaz) to achieve the natural mineral color. Water, heat and pressure are added to grow the crystals. Since the impurities that naturally occur in nature are not in the lab environment, the resulting material is quite clear and beautiful.

We carry H-T products in a number of colors: Amethyst, Blue Topaz (light blue), "Siberian Blue" Topaz (darker blue), Citrine, Peridot (light peridot green) and "Emerald Peridot" (dark peridot green).

Jade, Burma

A Jadeite from Burma (see Jade). Tends to be more expensive than Nephrite Jade. In the bead industry, it is sometimes just called "Jadeite" - even though gemologists recognize many forms of Jadeites.

Jade, Green

Jade is the term applied to forms of jadeite and nephrite. These minerals are similar in appearance and a distinction between the two often was not made. But, because of its more intense color and translucency, jadeite now brings higher prices and is thought to be the true jade
The most valuable form of jade is known as imperial jade and comes from Myanmar, it is an emerald green color. Jades also appear in mottled green and white, and the rarer colors of yellow, pink, purple, and black. The range of greens are light to dark, creamy, grayish, and also white. A leek green variety called "Russian Jade" is found near Lake Baikal in Russia. Jade can form in a huge variety of colors - but the most familiar to most people is Green Jade. It can vary in tone from medium green to quite dark, blackish green.
Jade is also found in Mexico, and Central and South America. Because of its smooth even texture, jade has long been a preferred material for carving and is usually cut into cabochons for jewelry.
Thought to protect the kidneys, liver, spleen, heart, larynx, thymus, and thyroid. Ancient people thought that wearing jade would increase body strength and add longevity. Jade is an ancient symbol of love and virtue

Jade, White

White Jade used in the bead market is probably not Jade. The stone used as White Jade is semi-translucent with somewhat opaque inclusions dispersed evenly through the stone, giving a Jade-like appearance. The stone is reasonably hard (takes on a good polish).

Jasper, Breciated

Sometimes used interchangeably with the name "Poppy Jasper", Brecciated Jasper tends to be the darker form of this stone: deep reds, many shades of browns, and tans characterize this stone. As in all jaspers, the stone is opaque. You may very occasionally see a patch of translucent (uncolored) agate in some Brecciated or Poppy Jasper items.

Jasper, Dalmation

This jasper has black and brown spots on a beige to tan background - and is named after the coat of the Dalmation dog breed, which is similar in appearance.

Jasper, Fancy

This picture shows only part of the color range that you may find in Fancy Jasper. In large flat pieces, like donuts, you tend to get mostly one color in the piece, similar to the picture shown. In round beads, you tend to get a mix of colors on the strand, usually about 1/3 are darker green tones, and the rest will be a mixture of colors. This gemstone is sometimes referred to as "India Agate", even though it is usually opaque.

Jasper, Leopardskin

Leopardskin Jasper is the easiest gemstone to identify. First, it has those wonderful leopard-like spots in tones of browns, creams and often in pinks. If you are still not sure, sniff it! If if smells faintly like gasoline, you know for certain (well ventilated Leopardskin will lose this smell after a while).

Jasper, Ocean

Ocean Jasper is volcanic in origin. The gemstone is rich in silica and is the product of a rhyolitic flow (compare the patterns in this stone to those found in Rhyolite). The rough gemstone comes from a deposit in Madagascar. It can have a huge range of color variation - from white, grey and beige, to pinks and yellows, to a vast range of green tones.

Jasper, Picture

Picture Jasper is a chalcedony that is rendered opaque by iron ore. The iron deposits form facinating patterns of creams, browns and grey/blacks that can look like an abstract painting. Sometimes, this jasper is also called Landscape Jasper because the patterns can look like trees or other landscape features. Picture jasper is a petrified or silicated mud that dripped into gas pockets in molten lava. It became superheated and then solidified forming the unusual banded patterns which are typical of this stone.

Jasper,Poppy

Morgan Hill Poppy Jasper is a famous, but increasingly rare orbicular jasper with red and yellow dots of "poppy flowers". It is a brecciated jasper, meaning it probably came from sun-dried and oxidized iron-rich clay. The cracks were filled in by other substances.
Jasper is from the chalcedony/quartz group. It is a microcrystalline variety of quartz that contains up to 20% foreign material. These materials are what determine the color and appearance of the stone. Also because of the foreign materials, jasper is rarely uniform in color, it is usually multicolored, striped, and/or spotted.
Jaspers of all kinds have long been attributed magical powers in just about every culture known to man. Jasper was used in Ancient European times as a "rain bringer" and it is interesting to note that the word for jasper in some American Indian cultures also meant, "Rain Bringer".
Morgan Hill poppy jasper is found in the area of Morgan Hill, California, USA. Other popular jaspers are found in Germany, India, Russia, Pakistan, France and the USA as well as many other countries.
Poppy Jasper acts somewhat like adrenaline, waking up and energizing areas of the body that appear to be sleeping. It is believed to encourage a deep connection with the life of the Earth. It inspires a positive, joyful attitude and gives the motivation and energy to take creative action.
Jasper was thought to drive away evil spirits and protect against snake and spider bites

Jasper, Rainforest
Please see Rhyolite.

Jasper, Red

Red Jasper is a brick red jasper that can vary between quite dark reddish brown to a rather bright red. It can occasionally include inclusions of white/creamy agate or thin black lines.

Labradorite

The name labradorite comes from the province of Labrador in Canada, which is a famous locality for labradorite with an iridescent play of colors. Feldspar is derived from the German word feld which means field. Iridescent labradorite is sometimes referred to as spectrolite.
According to an Eskimo legend, the Northern Lights were once imprisoned in the rocks along the coast of labrador, and then a wandering Eskimo warrior found them and freed most of the lights with a mighty blow of his spear. Some of the lights were still trapped within the stone however, and thus we have today the beautiful mineral known as labradorite.
Traditionally, labradorite is thought to bring good luck.
Labradorite which shows an iridescent play of colors is used in jewelry and lapidary items, and as an ornamental stone it has many popular uses such as in decorative clock faces, table and counter tops, facing for buildings, etc..
Labradorite is said to provide quick relief from anxiety, hopelessness and depression, replacing them with enthusiasm, self-confidence and inspiration. It is said to dispell negativity and to bring clear understanding by enhancing clarity of thought and improving one's ability to cooperate with others in harmony. Labradorite is also said to give perseverance, strength and enhanced intuition when one is experiencing times of conflict and change.
Labradorite is said to be helpfull in treating eye and brain disorders, and to help regulate metabolism and the digestive process.

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis is considered a rock, not a mineral. It combines various minerals, mostly lazurite, but also contains calcite (white), sodalite (blue) and pyrite (fools' gold, a metallic yellow) and to be considered a mineral it would have only one component.
Top quality lapis lazuli comes from Afghanistan where is has been mined for more than 6000 years, but is also found in Siberia, Chile, the U.S., Pakistan, and Canada.
A strong blue, sometimes with a hint of violet, lapis lazuli's value decreases with the presence of white patches (calcite), while small veins of pyrite are often prized.
The Egyptians used Lapis for seals, ground it for an eyelid cosmetic and often carved it into vases and figurines.
Strengthens total awareness, creativity, ESP, skeleton, thyroid, helps to expand viewpoint. It is believed to improve sleep and cure insomnia.
The Romans used lapis as an aphrodisiac.
During ancient times lapis was ground up and used for medicinal purposes as well as a cosmetic. The ground powder was mixed with milk and used as a compress to relieve ulcers and boils and, during the Middle Ages, lapis lazuli was believed to maintain the skeleton in healthy condition while keeping the spirit free from the negative emotions of fear and jealousy.

Larimar

8-12mm Genuine Larimar Faceted Nugget Beads-16" Strand

Larimar is a rare form of pectolite, which was discovered in the 1970's and is only found in the Dominican Republic. It has an extraordinary blue appearance similar to the color of the ocean in tropical areas.
The name "Larimar" comes from a combination of Larissa and Mar and was given to the stone by a Dominican who named the stone after his daughter Larissa and Mar, the Spanish word for sea.
This unique Caribbean gemstone sometimes may be mistaken for turquoise.
Its powers are believed to helps us view events from different perspectives, to soften and enlighten, to heal the emotional, physical, mental and spiritual body.
Larimar stimulates the heart, throat, third eye and crown chakras promoting inner wisdom. It represents peace and clarity, healing and love. Larimar is reputed to be helpful for those experiencing stress and anxiety

Lapis Nevada

This is a beautiful opaque gemstone in shades of light green, pink and cream. Depending on the minerals present in the rock, the color tones and hardness may vary. The stone was discovered in the State of Nevada in 1954 — "Nevada" is also the Spanish adjective for "snow covered" — either source seems like a good inspiration for the gemstone name. To complete the etymology lesson, the word "Lapis" comes from the Latin word for "stone".

Lepidolite

Lepidolite ranges from lilac to rose-violet in color. The luster of this gemstone can range from vitreous (glassy) to pearly, and can range from transparent to translucent. This mineral is found in several sources, including the United States, South America, Europe and Africa.

Malachite

Malachite is found in association with copper deposits and derives it's lovely variety of green colors from those minerals. It is somewhat soft and should be treated with care to preserve it's glossy finish.
Malachite is a popular stone which has light and dark green banded areas. Many beautiful specimens of malachite contain special combinations with other minerals, such as azurite, cuprite, or chrysocolla.
Malachite can be found in Zaire, USSR, Germany, France, Chile, Australia, Arizona and New Mexico/USA.
Its powers include: protection, power, peace, love, and success in business. It is worn to detect impending danger, and is assumed to break into pieces when danger is near. It is the guardian stone of travelers. Promotes inner peace and hope, provides protection and security.

Marcasite

Marcasite is a mineral that is very similar to pyrite and is usually yellow to yellow brassy, sometimes with green hues and a metallic luster. Marcasite can cause sterling silver findings to oxidize more quickly than usual.

Moonstone

Moonstone is a pearly white stone that can range from colorless to brown and everything in between. It generally has a silky luster with a blue or white sheen and ranges from transparent to translucent, resembling moonshine. The cause of its luminescence is due to the internal structure of the stone, which causes light rays to be refracted and scatter. They are found in Sri Lanka, India, Mexico, Europe, and Madagascar.
Moonstone is found in Brazil, Germany, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and the United States.
Moonstone was used in jewelry by the Romans who believed that the stone was formed from the light of the moon. Moonstone is considered a sacred stone in India.
It is believed to bring good fortune, to enhance passion, and balance the yin and yang and is said to protect women and children. In early times, it was believed that one could see the future if the stone was held in the mouth during a full moon. According to legend, moonstone will ensure abundant crops
Moonstone's healing properties are said to promote digestion, to protect against epilepsy, to calm emotions, cure headaches and nose bleeds, and protect against sun stroke.

Mother of Pearl
Bleached Mother of Pearl, Unbleached Mother of Pearl
Mother of Pearl is the common name for an iridescent blend of calcium carbonate secreted by oysters and other mollusks, also known as nacre. It's naturally iridescent in color, and bleached varieties may appear white. Mother of pearl beads may also be dyed a variety of different colors.

Obsidian, Black

Obsidian is a rock formed from volcanic glass. In the case of Black Obsidian, the stock is uniformly black, opaque, and polishes to a shiny surface finish.

Obsidian, Mahogany

Mahogany obsidian is a vitreous, translucent, natural glass that is red in color and often has darker red and/or black spots.

Obsidian, Snowflake

These white 'snowflakes' are a natural formation in black obsidian. They occur as part of the cooling and crystalization process of molten volcanic glass.

Onyx, Black

Onyx is a chalcedony quartz that is mined in Brazil, India, California and Uruguay. It has a fine texture and black color; however some onyx also displays white bands or ribbons against a black or brown background and this variety is known as sardonyx.
The name comes from the Greek word onyx which means nail of a finger or claw. Legend says that one day while Venus was sleeping Eros/Cupid cut her fingernails and left the clippings scattered on the ground. Because no part of a heavenly body can die, the gods turned them into stone which later became known as onyx.
Originally, almost all colors of chalcedony from white to dark brown and black were called onyx. Today when we think of onyx we often preface the word with black to distinguish it from other varieties of onyx that come in white, reddish brown, brown and banded. A variety of onyx that is reddish brown with white and lighter reddish bands is known as sardonyx.
Thought to increase regeneration, happiness, intuition, instincts. Also thought to decrease sexual desire and helps to change bad habits.

Pearl

16" St Natural Baroque Fresh Water Pearl Nugget Beads

An organic gem, pearls are formed inside mollusks such as oysters and mussels. They are formed when an irritant such as a tiny stone or bit of sand gets inside the mollusk's shell. A lustrous substance, called nacre, is secreted around the object to protect the soft internal surface of the mollusk. As layer upon layer of nacre coats the irritant, a pearl is formed. Light that is reflected from these overlapping layers produces a characteristic iridescent luster. This process of building a solid pearl can take up to seven or eight years.
The most valuable pearls are perfectly symmetrical, relatively large and naturally produced. They have a shimmering iridescence which is called orient luster. The principal oyster beds lay in the Persian Gulf, along the coasts of India and Sri Lanka, and in the Red Sea. Chinese pearls come mainly from freshwater rivers and ponds, whereas Japanese pearls are found near the coast in salt water.

There are many types of pearls:
natural pearls (made without human interference),
cultured pearls (made when a foreign substance is intentionally inserted into a living oyster. This method was first used in 1893),
baroque pearls (pearls that have irregular shapes),
Biwa pearls (an irregular shaped pearl which forms in the freshwater of Lake Biwa, Japan),
blister pearls (pearls which grow attached to the inside of the shell),
black pearls (gray to black pearls),
freshwater pearls (pearls which form in fresh water mollusks and resemble puffed rice),
Mabe pearls (cultivated blister pearls ),
seed pearls (small, tiny pearls used in Victorian jewelry and sewn on clothing).

Pearls vary in color from white to those with a hint of color, often pink, to brown or black. Each coloration will depend on the type of mollusk and the water where the mollusk lived. Because the nacre is organic, pearls are very sensitive to extreme heat, acids, dryness, and humidity. Care should be taken when storing them.
Natural pearls have been harvested from the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Manaar (Indian Ocean), and the Red Sea for thousands of years. The coasts of Polynesia and Australia produce mainly cultured pearls. Both freshwater and saltwater pearls are cultivated in Japan and China. Freshwater pearls occur in the rivers of Scotland, Ireland, France, Austria, Germany, and the USA (Mississippi)
Cultured or freshwater pearls are considered to offer the power of love, money, protection, and luck. Pearls are thought to give wisdom through experience, to quicken the laws of karma and to cement engagements and love relationships. They are thought to keep children safe.
Early Chinese myths told of pearls falling from the sky when dragons fought. Ancient legend says that pearls were thought to be the tears of the gods and the Greeks believed that wearing pearls would promote marital bliss and prevent newlywed women from crying.

Petersite

Petersite can range anywhere from gold, red, blue, brown with any combination of these colors. The gemstone itself is a combination of many that have been broken apart and re-cemented with silica (breciation). Because of this, the patterns of colors throughout the stones are variable. It has a silky, fibrous luster. Petersite is found only in China and Namibia.

Quartz, Clear

This is another gemstone that is called by many names. Common ones are "Rock Crystal" and "Crystal Quartz". The name describes it: quartz that is clear and colorless. Most pieces will have a bit of depth provided by small impurities or tiny fracture lines in the crystal.
Quartz is the most common mineral on the Earth’s crust and is a component of almost every rock type. Yet, quartz has more colors and forms than any other stone because of this very abundance. The powerful atomic structure of this pyramid-shaped crystal gives it magical powers that are as apparent in today’s computers as they are in new age belief and folklore.

Quartz, Rose

Two Passionate Rose Quartz Chip Bead Strands

Rose Quartz is a much rarer form of common clear quartz (or rock crystal). It has a rosy-red hue that may be fairly cloudy as a result of streaking by small fissures. It sometimes contains rutile inclusions dense enough to form a star.
Rose quartz seems to have a healing quality of its own. Dealing with the heart of the individual, with love and emotion leading to a feeling of inner peace. A calming strone that exposes emotional unbalances. Said to reduce high blood-pressure.

Quartz, Rutilated

Rutilated Quartz comes in a variety of colors and ranges from colorless to yellow, brown, purple, and gray. It is vitreous in luster and ranges from opaque to transparent. Rutile is titanium dioxide, often forming needle-like structures within quartz. When quartz is rutilated it looks like small bars of gold are embedded in it. It can be difficult to attain a smooth surface without any pits because of the differences of hardness between rutile and quartz.

Quartz, Tourmlinated

Tourmlinated Quartz is transparent quartz that contains needles of black tourmaline, with a luster that can range anywhere from vitreous to dull. It's valued because of the tourmaline inclusions. Tourmlinated quartz is one of the more rare members of the Included Quartz group. It is similar to rutilated quartz and is largely found in Brazil and California.

Rhodocrosite

Rhodocrosite used for beading products is formed in caves and primarily comes from Argentina. The deposits appear as stalagmites. This gemstone is relatively rare, especially in the color we carry: mostly pinks, lots of creamy white banding, and almost no gray, yellowish or black inclusions.

Rhodonite

Rhodonite forms in manganese ore veins - the black matrix that you often seen in the stone is manganese oxide. Generally, this stone is an opaque pink - sometimes bright, sometimes a duller pink. The black matrix can be predominate - or non-existant. Occasionally, we even see yellowish or white traces in the stone.

Ryolite aka "Rainforest Jasper"

This jasper features a multitude of greens, with occasional leopard-like spots of cream, brown or even orange. Other gemstone stock can be primarily brown, with tan and cream-colored markings. Sometimes, the name of this stone is also spelled "Ryolite".

Ruby in Zoisite

Ruby in Zoisite is a combination of green zoisite rock with black hornblende and large rubies. The colors within this gemstone include bright green and rose-pink to purple. These gemstones are usually translucent to opaque with a pearly or subvitreous luster. Geologists refer to this gemstone as "Anyolite."

Serpentine

Common Serpentine color, "New Jade" color form

Serpentine refers to a mottled, scaly mineral that imitates jade. It is usually opaque to translucent, and may be vitreous, greasy, or silky in luster. Colors range from white to grey, yellow to green, and brown to black. It is often splotchy or veined, and intergrown with other minerals. Sources are worldwide. A pale green, translucent form of this gemstone is commonly referred to as "New Jade" in the bead market.

Sodalite

Sodalite is a rich blue to blue-gray stone. It sometimes has veins of white calcite to brighten things up.

Spiral Shell

Spiral Shell is composed of polished, shaped sea shells. They are naturally shades of off-white with a pearly luster. Also see Mother of Pearl.

Sponge Coral

Ox Blood Red Coral Sponge Puff Pillow Beads

Coral is not a true gemstone, but a product of marine life. However, it's been used as a gem since prehistoric times. With a history of religious meaning, like being one of the seven treasures in Buddhist scriptures. Coral was long thought to be a strong talisman against evil spirits and hurricanes. It is also said to reduce blood flow, helping anemia, and is thought to give wisdom and prevent madness.
Its color ranges from white to red, but most red coral these days is dyed. It grows in branches that look like underwater trees. Most people think of coral on the coral reefs in the South Pacific like the Great Barrier Reef. However, these reefs are formed by a different species than the coral traditionally used in jewelry. Most of this coral is found in the Mediterranean Sea or in the Pacific off Japan and Taiwan.

Sugilite

Sugilite is one of the newest and rarest gemstones. Its rich shades of purple instantly made it highly sought after. Many have hailed Sugilite as the gem of the New Age. Named from the Japanese discover in 1944. It has a very distinctive opaque purple color when found in its most desirable color shades. The polished stones are mostly opaque with an almost waxy luster and a deep reddish purple color. It has been described as a purple turquoise although there is no relation between the two minerals. Its jewelry uses are becoming widespread and sugilite is being used in jewelry styles with turquoise, malachite and coral. Sugilite is wonderful to carry and instills a feeling of being free. It infuses one with inspiration. It can help one to believe in themselves and especially in their unique inherent talents. Sugilite is also used to eliminate hostility.

Sunstone

Sunstone is a naturally occuring gemstone found in India and in the state of Oregon, among other places. Don't confuse this with man-made Goldstone! It's unique feature is a deep golden-orange sparkle that comes from the depths of the stone. Geologists call this gemstone "Aventurine Feldspar".

Tiger Eye

Unusual Tigers Eye Puff Heart Beads - for protection

Tiger Eye is actually a quartz that contains numerous inclusions of fibrous, golden yellow oxidized minerals. When cut and polished, these inclusions give the effect of looking into an 'eye.'
.Tiger's-eye is polished to show its characteristic band of pearly luminescence, resulting from light reflecting off its thin parallel inclusions in the quartz. Colors range from a rich golden yellow to dark brown. Tigers-Eye is good for those worried about health as its said to guard against hypochondria. It builds will-power and inner-strength, and has traditionally been used to heal wounds, eyes, and the lower legs and feet. Its also said to bring spiritual well-being and psychic protection, as well as attracting beauty and abundance.

Tiger Iron

Tiger Iron is a stone that is often found in association with Tigereye. Some gemstone resources refer to it as "Tigereye Matrix" - since it is a mineral aggregate that has layers of Tigereye alternating with layers of iron oxide (think: hematite). Products will be a dark chocolate brown with occasional streaks of red and gold shimmers.

Turquoise, Chinese

4 Strands 6mm Oval Chinese Turquoise Beads

Best Chinese Turquoise Barrel Bead Strand

Gorgeous Turquoise Oval Chunk Beads - Hefty!

Turquoise is a somewhat soft gemstone occuring in various shades of blue and green, often with matrix interspersed (tones of black, brown and white). This picture shows only a fraction of the possible color tones that can be encountered. Chinese Turquoise obviously comes from deposits in China - so the color can differ from deposits found elsewhere (i.e. deposits in the United States). The stone will also vary in color and consistency between different mines in the same region.
Chinese Turquoise is a soft, opaque gemstone. Ranging from blue-green, to yellow-green with grey, black or brown veining . Much Chinese turquoise was used for artistic carving and jewelry, which has always been popular in the Orient. In China, Turquoise dates to the thirteenth century A.D. Although most brought from trade with the Persians, Turks, Tibetans, and the Mongols. Tibet had it's own source of turquoise usually a green cast, very hard stone with significant amount of spider webbing. The Tibetans highly revered turquoise and was used in many areas as currency.
Ancient doctors thought turquoise prevented injury through accident, and would place perfect stones over the eyes to prevent blindness. They also ground it into a powder to cure stomach disorders, internal bleeding, ailments of the hip and bites and stings. Turquoise is believed to protect the wearer from danger. In various countries, it is believed to fade when illness or danger is near. Another belief is that a fading stone indicates a lover's faithlessness or a friend's disaffection.
Turquoise is porous, so contact with liquids, oils or even perspiration should be avoided. Jewelry should be removed before washing. Turquoise is commonly impregnated with plastic, colorless oil or wax to improve color and increase durability. Untreated turquoise will eventually turn green. As genuine Chinese turquoise is expensive, reconstituted turquoise is made today. Crafted from real turquoise chips fused with other stones to cut the cost. Turquoise is the birthstone for the month of December.

Unakite

Unakite is a rather hard stone that takes on a nice glossy polish. The main components of this rock are quartz, feldspar (source of the pink & orange tones) and greenish epidote. This stone was named for the place it was originally discovered, in South Carolina.
Famous for finding the root cause of an illness – useful for conditions where the symptoms can’t otherwise be treated. It works by allowing the gentle release of long-term energy blocks, leading to an emotionally calm state. Also believed to stimulate the reproductive system, encourage pregnancy, and helping the healthy development of the baby in the womb.