Rock Review: Flourite

Flourite is named for the Latin "fluo"-- to flow,  because it is used as an additive to aid in proper flow for iron smelting. Additionally, the phenomenon "flourescence" takes it's name from this stone where strong flourescence can commonly be observed under UV light.

Excellent Specimens of flourite have beautiful, intense color banding in all shades of purple, mint green to teal, some pink and white. Strong color banding is a good way to identify flourite, but not all material is so fantastically banded. See below:

This is more common.

Flourite is found commonly cut into beads, and for other ornamental purposes. It can be found cut as a gemstone for setting in jewelry, but it is a relatively soft stone, making this practice uncommon.

This gem does have a common place in gemstone healing, however. It is thought to strengthen one's power of concentration. It is also used to cleanse the aura, and it is applied directly to an ailing part of the body to relieve pain.

Different colors of flourite are thought to have more specific benefits, more information on this here: http://www.charmsoflight.com/fluorite-healing-properties.html

Rock Review: Fire Agate

Today’s rock review features Fire Agate.

Geology Buzz

Fire Agate is a very special type of Agate that is mostly brown, but contains a special iridescence in the spectrum of the rainbow. This effect is accomplished when layers of plate like crystals composed of iron oxide adhere together in differing planes. Light reflects back and forth on these various layers creating this rainbow effect through a process called interference, much like oil in water.

Since Fire Agate is a form of quartz, it registers a 7 on Moh’s scale of hardness, making it ideal for all types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets. Cutting Fire Agate is a challenging task for gem cutters, requiring a careful balance between removing enough layers ensure the stone is not dull to while leaving enough to enhance its iridescence. Often, the natural formation of the stone must dictate its final size and shape. This is why Fire Agate is rarely mass produced and most often found in specialty pieces.

Fun Facts

Fire Agate has been used in jewelry markets for only about 60 years. When it first entered the jewelry market, dealers had a hard time settling on a name for the gem. It was known as “opalescent agate”, “cinnamon opal” and “precious peacock stone”. However, it is important to note that it is not a true Opal and comes from the Quartz and Chalcedony family.

Gem quality Fire Agate is found almost exclusively in the American South West and also occasionally in Mexico, specifically in regions surrounding the Sonoran Desert and the Sierra Madre Mountains. This is likely due to volcanic activity that occurred more than 24 million years ago in the tertiary geologic period. Although no one knows for sure, Warren Jones claims to be the one to officially discover Fire Agate in 1941.

Fire Agate is thought to be a powerful stone of protection believed to relive fear, stop gossip, and deflect harmful intentions. It also can be helpful in promoting healthy lymph, circulatory and intestinal systems. It also can be useful in balancing energy.

Rock Review: Diopside

As we enter March, we’ll review Diopside, the perfect companion for all the soon to emerge spring greens.

Geology Buzz

Diopside is a pyroxene mineral that is found in igneous and metamorphic rock deposits. It contains the elements Magnesium, Silicon, Oxygen and Calcium. It often is found in conjunction with Basalt, Olivine, Dolomite, Limestone, Marble and Andesite.

Gemstone quality versions of the mineral are usually called “Black Star Diopside or Chromium Diopside”. The presence of Chromium is responsible for the rich Kelly Green color (similar to an emerald) that is most often seen in jewelry. “Violane” is also a rare blue to violet color of Diopside that gets its tone from Manganese. White occurrences can fluoresce a bright powder blue color. Diopside registers between 5.6 and 6.5 on Moh’s scale of hardness.

Fun Facts

Discovered circa 1800, Diopside gets its name from the Greek language taking the words “dis” meaning two and “opse” meaning “face” to describe the two different ways it’s prisms can be oriented. Today, it is exported mainly from Russia, specifically from Siberia.

Diopside is a lesser known birthstone for the month of March and is also associated with the zodiac sign Pisces. It is believed to enhance creativity in problem solving, analytical abilities and achieving goals. It is also linked to love, commitment and the inner desires. It also is thought to be useful in healing the heart, lungs and circulatory system.

Diopside is fairly rare, however its price has still thankfully remained affordable. Chrome Diopside is usually available in smaller carat sizes since the gem usually appears darker as its size increases. Samples over 2 carats in size are much more rare and usually command a higher purchase price.

Chrysocolla with Diopside Accent Necklace by Layne Designs

Rock Review: Sodalite

Today’s rock review features Sodalite.

Geology Buzz

Sodalite is a mottled gemstone that most often has creamy yellow to white tones and royal blue colors mixed throughout the stone in interesting patterns. However, it can also occur in grey, yellow, pink and green if its chemical composition varies. It is named for the element Sodium than can be found in its makeup and belongs to the Feldspar family. It registers at 6 on Moh’s scale of hardness.

Sodalite is usually opaque, although translucent crystals can be found in larger deposits. It takes on a waxy luster when polished. Because of this, Sodalite is often found in beaded and cabochon form in jewelry. Sodalite can often be mistaken for Lapis Lazuli, however it almost never contains pyrite flecks present in Lapis. Also, it’s color is considered “Royal Blue” rather than “Ultramarine”. In streak tests, it will leave a white, rather than blue scrape.

Fun Facts

People began using Sodalite as ornamental decoration in the late 1800’s after a substantial quantity was found in Ontario, Canada in 1891. Bancroft, Ontario is known to produce Sodalite of with notably rich blue color. The mineral also can be found plentifully in Brazil and in China.

Sodalite is popular among individuals who enjoy the metaphysical properties of gems. It is thought to bring calmness and clarity to the mind, encouraging rational thinking, intuition and verbal expression. It also enhances confidence, self esteem and trust.

For care and maintenance, a soft polishing cloth will usually do the trick. A conservative dab of olive oil can also occasionally be used to enhance the luster and loosen dirt. This can be followed up with a quick rinse in warm water. Be sure to pat dry afterward. Because of its porous nature , Sodalite should not be soaked for long periods of time.

Rock Review: Amethyst

This Week’s Rock Review features February’s Birthstone Amethyst!

Geology Buzz

Amethyst is a member of the Quartz family. It owes it’s lavender to royal purple hue to the presence of iron that colors a Quartz gemstone through the process of irradiation, when iron replaces some silicon content inside a the Quartz gem. Sometimes this occurs in limited portions or isolated planes of the gemstone, rather than throughout an entire stone, leaving room for variegation in richness and depth of the color hue. Most gem cutters aim to cut the raw stone in a way that shows consistent coloring.

Amethyst is also dichroic, showing red violet from one angle and blue violet from another. It is vitreous, making it well suited for both cut gem and cabochon style jewelry. It registers 7 on Moh’s scale of hardness.

Fun Facts

Did you know that in the modern jewelry market, you may see other colors of “amethyst” being advertized in recent years? The most common alternative color is Green Amethyst. However, the savvy jewelry shopper should know that Green Amethyst, or any other color Amethyst is not considered to be a true Amethyst. The green color advertized is actually another Quartz family stone called Prasiolite. When heated, Amethyst turns a dark yellow to brown shade, similar to Citrine. It also loses it’s dichroism. When it’s only partially heated, it becomes artificial Ametrine, which features color fading look from purple to brown, almost like a dip dye in fabrics.

Amethyst is infinitely valuable for many people who turn to gems for aid in healing ailments. It has been cited as particularly useful in ridding headache sufferers of pain by drawing pain away from the head, neck and shoulders, which is wonderful news to those who suffer from Migrane headaches. It also releases tension and reduces bruises and swelling. It encourages a healthy metabolism, cleanses the blood, boosts the immune system and strengthens the endocrine system. Needless to say, it’s handy to have around!

Amethyst Cocktail Ring

Carved Amethyst Pendant

Paisley Pendant

Rock Review: Chalcedony

Today’s rock review features the very versatile Chalcedony.

Geology Buzz

Chalcedony is a Silica mineral composed of an interwoven combination of Quartz and Moganite crystal formations. Chalcedony is somewhat translucent and also has a waxy sheen that becomes vitreous when polished. It can occur in a wide array of colors, although it most often is found in brown gray or black tones. Many semiprecious gems are actually just different varieties of Chalcedony. Some examples are Agate, Aventurine, Carnelian, Chrysoprase, Helliotrope, Mtorolite, and Onyx.

Many of the brightly colored Chalcedony available for purchase in the gemstone market is dyed or treated to enhance color, giving us an even greater range of fabulous colors. In UV light, many varieties of Chalcedony appear fluorescent.

Fun Facts

Humans have been making good use of Chalcedony since the Bronze age. In the Mediterranean region many surviving examples of intricate seals depicting rulers and dignitaries are still in great condition. Hot wax does not stick to Chalcedony, which is why it is ideal as this type of tool. Other antique pieces of carved gemstone jewelry and beads are also readily found in the middle and near east from a variety of cultures.

In gem lore, Chalcedony is a believed to be a nurturing stone that promotes goodwill and positive relationships. It absorbs negative energy and brings the mind, body and spirit into harmony. Chalcedony also helps the body to better absorb and assimilate minerals into the veins. It also increases physical energy!

Check out these cool varieties of Chalcedony from Layne Designs.

Layne Designs Magenta Chalcedony Briolette Necklace (left)

Blue Chalcedony Nodule and Briolette Beads

Rock Review: Kyanite

Have the winter blues? Instead of chasing them away, indulge in them a bit with a look at the lovely deep blue Kyanite.

Geology Buzz

Kyanite is a type of silicate mineral that is very rich in aluminum. It can be found in both sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. It’s lovely cobalt blue color is derived from the presence of aluminum. Occasionally, Kyanite can also be orange, if manganese is present during its development. Some Kyanite gems can have a cat’s eye effect that is beautiful to behold.

Kyanite has a special trait called anisotropism, meaning it’s hardness can vary based on the crystal structure present in each formation. It can be as low as a 4.5 on Moh’s scale of hardness and as high as a 7 depending on if it’s planes are parallel or perpendicular to the axis of the gem. A parallel plane is softer, where as a perpendicular plane is harder. This trait is also a key identifying feature of this particular gem. Kyanite also has perfect cleavage in one direction, making it well suited to certain gemstone cuts like baguette, octagon, oval and pear styles.

Fun Facts

Kyanite gets its name from the Greek word kyanos for blue. Although Kyanite was discovered in the 19^th century, it has remained a lesser known gem to much of the gem world. Today, most Kyanite hails from India, although it can be found also stateside in North Carolina, Montana and Georgia.

Besides being used in jewelry, Kyanite is also used in many ceramics manufacturing processes. It also can be found in electronics or as an electric insulator.

Kyanite is a useful stone in balancing energy, making it a favorite for those who enjoy the metaphysical properties of gemstones and minerals. It instills a sense of tranquility in its wearers that makes it ideal for those practicing meditation. It’s also believed to assist with enhancing psychic abilities as well as lucid dreaming.