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: 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.

Rock Review: Garnet

For those born in January, Garnet is your birth stone!

Geology Buzz

Garnets come in a wide array of varieties and colors based on their chemical compositions. You may have heard of Pyrope, Almandine, Spessartine, Grossular , Hessonite, Tsavorite, Uvarovite or Andradite. These are all species of Garnets! Garnets occur in a rainbow of colors including pink, brown, black, green, blue, purple, orange, red, yellow and even colorless. The most well known color of garnet is the transparent blood red or deep crimson tone that many people are attracted to found most commonly in Almandine Garnet. The rarest color of Garnet is the Blue Garnet which also has the ability to change its color under incandescent light.

Because the chemical makeup of Garnet can vary greatly depending on the variety, it also can score differently on Moh’s scale of hardness. Generally speaking, Garnets register a 6.5-7.5 on the scale.

Fun Facts

Garnets have been well loved and used in jewelry and art since the Romans ruled the world. In fact, the name for garnet is derived from the Latin word for pomegranate, due to the deep red color of many of the gems. The Romans and subsequent Barbarian cultures that occupied former Roman lands used the gem in a cloisonné technique inlaid in gold to depict artistic scenes and designs. Today, we use them mostly in either cut gem or druzy style jewelry. It is the state gem of both New York and Connecticut. Some unexpected industrial uses of garnet are as an abrasive for sandpaper and sand blasting, as well as an element in certain types of filtration systems.

Garnets are thought to be a protective gem for those on journeys. Giving Garnet as a gift can be interpreted as a symbol of love and wishes for safe travel and a speedy return home. Do you know any globe trotters who might benefit from some Garnet? Check out these finds in Garnet from Layne Designs.

Rhodolite Garnet Necklace

Uvarovite Garnet Nacklace

Rock Review: Tanzanite

Today’s Rock Review focuses on the lovely and popular Tanzanite.

Geology Buzz

Tanzanite, dubbed this name because of its country of origin, Tanzania, is a blue to purple tone variation of a mineral called Zoisite. Tanzanite possesses a special trait called trichroism. This means that it can appear to be different colors depending on the angle it is cut or viewed from. It’s planes can either be sapphire blue, purple or burgundy. It’s appearance can also be altered under difference types of lighting. It will appear more blue under fluorescent light and more violet under incandescent light. How fascinating!

In its rough state, it doesn’t appear anything like it looks as a finished jewelry product. It actually is reddish brown in its raw form and requires heating between 550 and 700 degrees Celsius to bring out it’s blue and violet colors.

Fun Facts

Tanzanite is a very rare gem that comes from a single source in Tanzania at the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is relatively new to the gemstone world, only being discovered in 1967 as an accidental find by a part time gold prospector, Manuel de Souza, who could not identify the stone. Originally he suspected it to be Olivine. The sample rocks traveled the “grapevine” until they eventually ended up with Hyman Saul, Vice President of Saks Fifth Avenue. He brought them to the Gemological Institute of America where geologist Ian Mc Cloud identified the mystery gem as a new variety of Zoisite. Its proper name is now Blue Zoisite, but most people know the gem under its marketing name, Tanzanite.

In its early days of discovery, some already blue/purple Tanzanite could be found in the earth due to volcanic activity. These days however, it’s unlikely to come across a find like this, which is why most Tanzanite must now be heat treated to reveal its stunning color.

The largest Tanzanite ever discovered weighed in at a staggering 737.81 carats! One of the most famous Tanzanites, “Queen of Kilimanjaro” , was set in a tiara along with 803 garnets and 913 diamonds. It is owned by Michael Scott, first CEO of Apple computers and is on display with the rest of his collection at the Gallery of Gold and Gems at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Ontario.

Queen of Kilimanjaro Tiara

Heate Treated and Untreated Tanzanite in a Grouping

Rock Review: Malachite

Today’s rock review focuses on the stunningly deep Malachite

Geology Buzz

Malachite is a mineral that results from a chemical combination of copper and carbonate in crystal structures and stalagmite formations. Malachite forms when copper ore weathers in the presence of limestone and other carbonates. It can often be found alongside Azurite, Calcite and Goethite. It has lovely color variance in vibrant rich greens ranging from forest green to tones of kelly green bordering on teal. Malachite can also feature interesting banded patterns which present a variety of unique and beautiful gemstones that are well suited for cabochon style jewelry.

Fun Facts

Malachite has been known to the world and used for about 3000 years. One of the oldest mine sources of the gemstone, dubbed “King Solomon’s Mine” in the Timna valley of Israel, is still in operation today. Mining may have begun at the site as early as the 5^th millennium BC. Some Malachite is smelted, while the highest quality pieces are usually reserved for silver jewelry.

Malachite got it’s name from the Greek form of the word for the Mallow Plant since the color of the stone so closely resembled the color of the leaves from this plant. The name also could come from the Hebrew word for King, since Malachite is considered to be the stone of royalty in many ancient Middle Eastern cultures.

For many centuries, Malachite was also used as pigment for green paints. So, keep in mind next time you visit an Art Museum that you may be viewing Malachite when you look at paintings that were created before the 1800’s. However, it was eventually replaced by other synthetic materials whose colors were less prone to fading due to sun exposure and the presence of acids.

When caring for your Malachite jewelry, be sure never to use chemical cleaners as the stone is very susceptible to damage from chemicals and acids. A mild soap and water rise along with polishing with a soft cloth will do the trick.

Malachite and Azure pendant with Jade bead