AGATE
A form of chalcedony, is an excellent gem material because of its
attractive colors, hardness, and ability to take a
brilliant polish.
Available in a variety of patterns, agate can be transparent to opaque
and occurs in many beautiful colors such as: blue, blue lace, crazy
lace, green, moss, indian, tree, wooden, and petrified wood. Agate is
named after the Achates River in Sicily, now known as the Drillo River
ALEXANDRITE
The chemical properties of this gem are its unique color-changing
characteristics. Its colors change when the stone is viewed from
different angles and under different light sources from bluish green
to bluish red. Alexandrite was named for Czar Alexander II of Russia
when it was discovered in the Ural Mountains on his birthday in 1830.
Natural alexandrite is now extremely rare and costly.
AMBER
Is an organic gem, the hardened, fossilized sap or resin from ancient
pine trees. Amber has been treasured and used for centuries; beads,
pendants, buttons, and other ornamental carved objects have been made
from this
organic gem. Amber often contains bubbles and other
interesting inclusions such as small plant or bug fossils. The color
and transparency of amber can vary, but the most common colors are
oranges, yellows, and browns.
AMETHYST
Is the best known and most valuable form of quartz. It is a brilliant
violet color available in faceted sizes in round
(modified brilliant),
oval, pear, square, triangle, as well as heart-shaped cabochons, beads,
and crystals.
AQUAMARINE
Aquamarine, a member of the beryl family, gets its name from two Latin
words that mean "sea" and water." This lovely blue gem
has been popular since 400 BC when the Ancient Greeks believed it held
the essence and spirit of the sea. Wearing this stone was said to
protect one from adversities at sea, prevent sea sickness, and provide
courage.
AZURITE-MALACHITE
Beads have dark, rich colors in green and cobalt blue in a variegated
pattern.
BLUE ZIRCON
Zircon probably gets its name from the Arabic zar (gold) and gun
(color). This gemstone is found in igneous rocks and comes in a
variety of colors. Currently available are blue zircon, the most
popular color on the market today, a pale aqua blue. During the Middle
Ages, zircon was worn by travelers as an amulet for protection from
sickness, injury, and insomnia.
CAT'S EYE
Chrysoberyl, also called cymophane, gets the cat's eye description
from the resemblance of the stone's eye to the narrow iris of a cat's
eye. The name chrysoberyl comes from the Greek chrysos (a reference to
the golden color) and the mineral beryl.
CHALCEDONY
Blue Mist Is a variety of quartz that comes in many colors and
patterns. It's composed of microcrystalline quartz crystals and
hydrated silica (opal). Chalcedony is durable and takes a good polish.
Very light periwinkle blue and white.
CITRINE
Belongs to the quartz family, although it is often mistakenly referred
to as topaz. The name citrine comes from the French citron (lemon)
which refers to its color. Its yellow color ranges from light to dark
gold. Smaller sizes tend to be lighter and larger sizes deeper in
color. This gemstone has been used since the Hellenistic Age in Greece
(323-280 BC) and was worn as a protective talisman and used for
medicinal purposes; it was thought to aid in digestion and cleanse
toxins from the body.
CORAL
Treasured by many cultures for thousands of years, coral is one of the
world's few organic gems. Many colors and varieties of coral are found
in warm coastal waters around the world. We offer several popular
colors of this beautiful organic gem. The Oxblood Coral is the most
valued red coral. The oldest known coral used for jewelry and other
ornamental objects, this deep red coral was used by the ancient
Mesopotamians in 3000 BC. Also available are the Salmon Pink Coral and
the lovely natural White Color Coral.
CUBIC ZIRCONIA
Cubic zirconia offers a combined high value of refractive index,
dispersion, and hardness. Available: Super-Premium CZS, the highest
quality on the market today; and, Commercial Quality CZS, a more
reasonably priced alternative.
EMERALD
Is a green variety of beryl, gets its name from the Latin term
smaragdus, which refers to a type of precious gemstone. Today, Africa
and South rica are major sources for this precious gemstone. They
are light to medium green and fine quality emeralds aro rare, they
are considered to be more valuable than diamonds. Emerald has been
treasured since 4000 BC when it was traded in the earliest known gem
market of Babylon.
GARNET
One of the world's most ancient gems, the name garnet is derived from
the Latin word granatum (pomegranate); this alludes to the garnet's
color and seed-like crystal formation. Some other types of garnet
which may be available: Almandine Garnet, deep orange-red to brown-red
in a modified brilliant cut; Almandine-Pyrope Garnet, has a brilliant
deep blood red color; Idaho's Queensland Garnet is known not only for
its color and brilliance but also for its large size and purity.
Garnet has been treasured for thousands of years and was once thought
to cure fever and promote good health.
HEMATITE
It is iron oxide and its name comes from the Greek aima, or ema (blood),
which refers to the blood red color of powdered hematite, the gem is a
blackish grey with a metallic luster. Used as an ornamental stone
since early
times, hematite has sometimes been erroneously called
black diamond. The ancient Egyptians used this stone to treat hysteria,
to reduce inflammation, and for ornamental objects placed in their
tombs.
IOLITE
Was sometimes called "water sapphire" because of its
violet-blue color. Most iolite is found in the form of water-worn
pebbles from gem gravel beds. Its name is derived from the Greek ios (violet)
and lithos (stone). It shows two or more colors according to the
direction in which it is viewed by transmitted light.
JADE
Green Nephrite Rich green jade has long held a position of great
cultural and historical significance, particularly in Asia. The
Chinese have valued this gem more than any other, using it for
currency, ceremonial vessels, and marriage bowls. Jade has also been
used to produce great works of art (jewelry and carvings), as well as
for medicinal purposes. This type of jade, green nephrite, is very
durable and has uniform coloration.
LAPIS LAZULI
Lapis lazuli is composed of lazurite, pyrite, and calcite. This vivid
blue gemstone gets its name from the Arabic allazward (meaning sky or
blue). It has been used since before 3100 BC. Ancient Egyptians were
particularly fond of this stone; they used powdered lapis pigment for
medicines, cosmetics (the first eye shadow), and paintings.
Exceptional quality Afghan lapis lazuli beads are a deep, lustrous
royal blue.
MALACHITE
This copper mineral features a characteristic banding pattern and a
rich green color and get its name from the Greek word malakhe (mallow),
a reference to its color. It also comes in our vivid green malachite
bead strands, bluish green to green; color banding; and, new copper
malachite which is vivid green with a red and brown matrix. The
Egyptians used malachite as early as 4000 BC for amulets, jewelry, and
cosmetics. During the Middle Ages, malachite was worn for protection
from sorcery and black magic. In addition to
MOONSTONE
Named for its resemblance in color to the moon; soft, milky white with
grey and blue iridescence, also comes in a dark grey body color with
blue iridescence. It is one of the best known and most valuable
varieties of feldspar and was a popular stone with Art Nouveau
jewelers. Moonstone was used in Roman jewelry about AD 100. And in
India, is still a sacred gem. East Indian tradition holds that
moonstone is a symbol of the Third Eye and clarifies spiritual
understanding.
OBSIDIAN
Obsidian is a volcanic glass formed by the rapid cooling of lava. The
name obsidian is probably derived from a man named Obsius who is said
to have discovered the stone in Ethiopia. Snowflake Obsidian Snowflake
obsidian is a popular black variety patterned with greyish-white
inclusions that resemble snowflakes. Goldshine obsidian is also an
attractive stone for earrings, pins, necklaces, etc. with russet body
color with black flecks.
ONYX
Onyx is a type of opaque chalcedony that comes in various colors.
Although it occurs naturally in black, it is generally dyed to achieve
a uniform shade of black. Black onyx is one of the most popular stones
on the market today. This durable stone is an excellent choice for
many types of jewelry. Polished black onyx beads are a traditional
favorite. In addition to the Black Onyx, also available are: Green
Onyx, a light translucent green; and White Onyx is a translucent white.
OPAL
Opal, admired for its distinctive play of color, is a semi-transparent,
solidified mineral(foto de Sibusca) composed of silicon and water. This unique stone
gets its name from the Latin opalus and Sanskrit upala (precious stone).
The Greek term opalilios translates "to see a change of
color." Properties which influence an opal's value are size, cut,
rarity, base color, fire color (colors produced when light is
diffracted out of the stone), fire intensity, fire pattern (the
pattern made by the play of color), and fire consistency. The Romans
considered opals to be a symbol of hope due to the rainbow locked
within. NOTE: Because opal is a relatively soft stone, it should be
treated with care. Opal is brittle and heat sensitive. Do not immerse
it in hot water or an ultrasonic cleaner.
(foto de Sibusca)
PEARLS
Known for their dramatic beauty, timeless appeal, and lustrous sheen,
pearls have been cherished throughout the ages. A symbol of beauty,
purity, and wealth, no other gem has retained such a level of value
and desirability for as long as the pearl.
PERIDOT
A gem variety of the mineral olivine, was mined on St. John's Island
in the Red Sea as early as 1300 B.C. At that time, the island was
known as Topazios. The Egyptian kings favored these gems which were
often mined under very harsh conditions. Associated with the sun,
peridot is believed to have the power to break evil spells and dispel
the mysteries of the dark. Before modern chemistry, stones were
classified by color: red stones were rubies and green stones were
emeralds. "Emeralds," were greatly prized by Egyptian kings
and part of the romance of emerald comes from its association with
Cleopatra. Some of that should rightfully belong to high-quality
peridot since some, if not all, of Cleopatra's "emeralds"
were no doubt peridot. Arizona peridot is a sparkling, crystal-clear
gem mined in the southwestern United States from deposits on the San
Carlos Indian Reservation in Arizona. Stone color is a consistent
bright yellow-green. Because we offer only the highest quality,
availability is limited.
PYRITE
New pyrite beads are metallic grey with a hint of olive, and include
gold specks.IMAGES
QUARTZ
It is a common mineral with valuable electrical and optical properties.
People have long believed in its healing powers, and it is still
thought capable of divine and clairvoyant inspiration. The name quartz
is derived from the Slavic word kwardy (hard). Varieties which may be
available: Quartz Crystal, the beauty and mystique of natural crystals
are enhanced by their inclusions which catch and reflect light light;
Frosted Quartz Crystal, are a translucent
frosted white color; Smoky
Quartz, subtle smoky shade; Rose Quartz, a soft, milky pink color that
comes from the presence of titanium and other inclusions; and new
Rutilated Quartz beads vary from clear to opaque white and yellow
shades, with black rutile crystals inside.
QUARTZITE
Red quartzite is an attractive pink translucent gemstone with red
veining. White Quartzite has a smooth, uniform grain and creamy white
color. Yellow Quartzite is a bright yellow.
RUBY
The red variety of corundum, is considered to be one of the world's
most valuable gemstones. The name ruby comes from the Latin rubeus (red).
Because of its hardness and durability, ruby is an excellent choice
for all types of jewelry. Rubies are believed to have great powers and
have been said to ensure a peaceful, harmonious, and healthy life.
Ruby has been worn as an amulet for protection from plagues, poison,
sorrow, and evil spirits. The ancient Hindus considered ruby the
"Lord of Gems." The Greeks believed it could melt wax and in
India, it was said that he who offered rubies to the gods would be
reincarnated as a powerful king or emperor.
SAPPHIRE
Sapphire, a member of the corundum family, gets its name from the
Latin sapphirus and the Greek sappheiros (blue). Blue sapphire gets
its color from titanium and iron oxides; the depth of color depends on
the amount of oxides present. Prized since ancient times, sapphire has
been called the "Gem of the Heavens." Persians believed the
earth rested on an enormous sapphire and the sky reflected its
beautiful color. The Star Sapphire is named for its distinctive
six-ray star visible under a single light source. The value of star
sapphire is based on the symmetry, orientation, definition, color, and
clarity of the star.
SERPENTINE
A light green translucent stone.
SODALITE
Sodalite, a mineral component of lapis lazuli, is commonly mistaken
for lapis because of its similar appearance. This rich blue gemstone
rarely contains pyrite inclusions, as does lapis. The name sodalite
alludes to the sodium
content of this stone. Color is a medium azure
blue.
TANZANITE
A blue zoisite, it often exhibits different colors when viewed from
different directions. These stones are heat treated and brilliant cut
to show the orientation of deep blue to violet-blue colors. NOTE:
Because of its low resistance to ultrasound, tanzanite should not be
cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner. The violet-blue transparent variety
of zoisite was discovered in the East African county of Tanzania, and
were renamed "tanzanite" in honor of the only country in
which they're found. They are favored by collectors and consumers for
their beautiful deeply saturated violet-blue color.
TIGER'S EYE
This gemstone is a variety of quartz with very fine, similarly
oriented fibrous inclusions. When it is properly cut, it sometimes
produces a changeable luster. Tiger's eye
typically displays a series
of lustrous alternating yellow and brown bands. It's golden-brown
color comes from hydrous oxide (limonite). Varieties: Blue Tiger's Eye,
a new variety features lustrous alternating dark blue and brown bands;
Red Tiger's Eye, has a lustrous alternating mahogany and
brownish-black bands; and, the new Iron Tiger's Eye has alternating
bands of metallic iron grey, black, red, yellow, and brown.
TOPAZ - BLUE
The name topaz is most likely derived from the old Sanskrit word tapaz
(fire). A common misconception is that all topaz is yellow. Pure topaz
is colorless, but this well-loved gem
occurs in a broad range of
colors: yellow, brown, pink, red, blue, and green. Currently available
are high quality blue topaz in: Maxi Blue, Deep Blue, Medium Blue, and
Light Blue. The Ancient Greeks called topaz the "Stone of
Strength," and during medieval times, the topaz was considered to
heal both physical and mental ailments.
TOURMALINE
Ten mineral species comprise the tourmaline family. Elbaite tourmaline
is the variety most often used in jewelry because of its durability
and vast color range from pink to
green, which is also called
verdelite. The name is said to come from the ancient Singhalese term
turmali for mixed-colored-stones. Elbaite is named after the Isle of
Elba, the first known source of the stone.
TURQUOISE
Turquoise is a soft, opaque gemstone admired for its beautiful sky
blue color. The blue color is due to the presence of copper, and iron
often provides some green ones. Turquoise sometimes has a rock matrix
and varying shades of grey, brown, or black veining. Turquoise is one
of the first gems ever used for jewelry and was found with a 7500 year
old Egyptian mummy. Turquoise mining in the Americas started about
1000 years ago.