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Stone Definitions

Charoite, one of a small number of purple gemstones, is a rare mineral that has only been available to the jewelry industry since the late 1970s. Reportedly first discovered in the 1940s in Russia, its only known location to date, charoite is named for the Charo River in Siberia. Easily add this calibrated cabochon to a 12mm round setting or bead your own bezel from seed beads to capture this intriguing stone in jewelry.

African "jade" is a type of quartz with color varying from light to dark green and intertwined with mauve, maroon and brown. This semi-opaque stone features colors blended in a variety of swirled, banded, veined, spotted or "crackled" patterns. Lighter areas of this gemstone material can show greater translucency than darker areas. Machine-cut for uniformity, these cabochons are beautifully polished and smooth to the touch.

Turquoise blue howlite is dyed to resemble turquoise. Howlite can contain grey to black inclusions and occasional matrix. Named for its discoverer, Henry How, a Nova Scotia geologist, howlite is famous for imitating other minerals. Found in California, USA.

Lamimar
A rare gemstone found in the Dominican Republic, larimar is also known as "dolphin stone," the "Atlantis stone" and the "Caribbean gemstone" for its captivating ocean-blue color. Named after the daughter of the mine developer who discovered the stone, larimar is a combination of "Larissa" for the daughter and "mar," the Spanish word for sea. Mottled white patterns and iron oxide plumes range from semitransparent to opaque. Easily add this calibrated cabochon to a 12mm round setting or bead your own bezel from seed beads to capture this intriguing stone in jewelry.

The rich green hue of malachite, with a gentle sweep of banding, is a striking addition to jewelry lines. This natural malachite cabochon is calibrated for consistency and ease of use. The gorgeous color of malachite has been valued since the time of the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, used to adorn jewelry and other baubles, as well as eye shadow when ground into a powdered form. In the metaphysical word, this green gemstone is considered to be a stone of protection and personifies the deep healing powers of nature.

Natural paua shell cabochons are coated to protect against breakage, provide stability and enhance the natural iridescence. According to traditional metaphysical beliefs, paua shell has been used to stimulate creativity and imagination.


Rhodochrosite's name refers to the Greek word for "rose-red." It has also been called "Inca-rose," due to its deposits in Argentina. It is commonly believed that rhodochrosite welcomes change, helping the wearer to open their arms and embrace it. Cabochons display a natural color variance--rhodochrosite ranges from a deep rosy-red to a light pink with occasional grey, cream and black inclusions.

Sodalite showcases medium to dark blue-violet shades, accented with white or grey calcite that give it the look of denim lapis. Sodalite is an opaque stone with a vitreous luster. This hard gemstone material is suited for long-wearing jewelry that withstands heavy use.

Sunstone is a variety of labradorite feldspar that features brilliant, deep burnt-orange color with metallic inclusions called "schiller." According to metaphysical beliefs, sunstone is highly effective in cleansing auras and chakras. Sunstone is predominantly associated with the Base and Sacral Chakras. Sunstone is the official state gemstone of Oregon. Sizes, shapes and colors may vary with handcrafted items.

Tigereye has alternating bands of golden-yellow and golden-brown, cut parallel to its fibrous structure to maximize the chatoyancy effect.

Green Avenuturine, Calibrated for consistency, these aventurine cabochons are idyllic for adding tranquil green tones to designs. A form of quartz, aventurine is believed to be the stone of opportunity in the metaphysical world, bringing about luck, optimism, enhanced creativity and improved decision-making.

Cut from natural black onyx rough, most of this material is dyed to assure uniform blackness. Extremely well cut and polished. Black onyx has traditionally been used to banish grief and enhance self-control.

 

~ Definitions from Fire Mountain Gems