Rock Review: Citrine

Today’s Rock Review highlights Citrine! The birthstone of November.

Geology Buzz

Citrine is a member of the quartz family. Its name is derived from it’s lemon yellow color. However, the most valued citrines have an amber or reddish yellow tone to them. It is a very durable gem, scoring a 7 on Mohs scale of hardness. It also has relatively little cleavage, meaning it can take some impact with little likelihood of fracture.

In past decades, Citrine was marketed as “Golden Topaz”. That name has been hard to shake, since it often takes a skilled jeweler to identify the subtle differences between Citrine and Topaz. However, Topaz tends to be harder and heavier then Quartz, with a higher refractive index due to the presence of fluorine aluminum silicate. Topaz, however, has higher cleavage than Citrine and requires some care during the cutting process.

Fun Facts

Citrine historically has been found in Spain, France, Hungary and the Scottish Isle of Arran. More recently, Citrine has been discovered in Brazil, Bolivia, some African countries and parts of the Soviet Union.

The gem is thought to bring happiness, joy and optimism into its owner’s life. Gemstone healers often use the stone to increase self-esteem and open the mind to new thoughts. Tradition refers to Citrine as the “Merchant Stone”. Shop keepers often kept one in their cash boxes to maintain wealth and bring good fortune. Many shop owners still enjoy this practice today. Citrine was also worn to protect a wearer from snake venom.

Visit the Layne Designs Website to check out some of our work in Citrine!

Super Stud Earrings in Citrine

Cosmos Stackable Rings in Citrine

Rock Review: Mustard Jasper

This week’s rock review features Mustard Jasper! The name jasper is derived from old French word “jaspre” for spotted stone.

Geology Buzz

Mustard Jasper is somewhat uncommon as it is currently mined only in Indonesia from the top of an active volcano, making it a special find! It often is black or gray on the outer layers progressing to a rich mustard yellow on its inner layers. Jasper is formed from Silica and volcanic ash that are deposited and consolidated in the presence of heat and water over time. Patterns are created as sediments are layered and then compressed.

All Jaspers are a form of Chalcedony. Jasper is between a 6.5-7 on Moh’s scale of hardness. It is opaque and able to take a high polish making it a good choice for cabochon style jewelry.

Fun Facts

Jaspers are one of the birthstones listed for the sign star sign Virgo. It is also the Mystical birthstone for those born in the month of October.

Yellow Jaspers are thought to be associated with balancing and strengthening ones social standing. They also are used to give protection during travel and as a shield from negativity.Ancient European cultures used Jasper ceremonially to conjure rain. Legends say that Jasper drives away evil spirits and protects against snake and spider bites. Since Halloween is just around the corner, it might be just the right time to add jasper to your wardrobe!

Mustard Jasper Saturn Bracelet from Layne Designs, available for purchase!

Rock Review: Serpentine

Serpentine ( hydrated magnesium silicate)

More of a mineral than a rock, Serpentine is so named because of its green, yellow or brown hue which resembles the skin of a serpent. Handle serpentine with care because it is porous and relatively soft, ranging from 3 to 5 on the Moh’s scale of hardness (that’s out of 10). This means that it should not be cleaned with an abrasive and chemicals including perfume should be avoided.

Although you may not have heard of serpentine, it has been used for thousands of years. It was used in ancient Assyria to invoke special blessings from the gods. It has also been used as a healing stone to aid in stomach and kidney ailments when laid directly on the skin. Here is a link I found on how to alleviate back pain with serpentine: http://www.ehow.com/facts_6017079_serpentine-stone-back-pain.html

Serpentine is found in New Zealand, China, Afghanistan, South Africa, USA, England, and Italy. While it is pictured here in a striking yellow with flecks of black hematite, it is also found in many other colors. Red, green, brown-red, brown-yellow and white are other colors varieties of the same mineral substance.