Ammonites are related to squid, octopus, cuttlefish and chambered nautilus. They existed from the early Jurassic to the late Cretaceous periods and became extinct around the same time as dinosaurs. Their fossil distribution is found worldwide. The pieces in our jewelry are from Madagascar, Morocco, Peru or Mexico.

Trilobites are hard-shelled, segmented creatures that existed over 500 million years ago. Trilobites were among the first arthropods, and flourished in the sea. When its body grew to large for its shell it flaked off the free checks and climbed out to grow another one. Their fossil distribution is found worldwide, although most of what we use is the Elrathia Trilobite, found in Utah.

Ancestors of the modern day squid, these fossils are dated back to the Silurian Age 400 + million years ago. They could swim as well as crawl along the ocean floor. As they died their shells accumulated upon the ocean floor, then covered by sediments they transformed into stone over the years. The othorceras we use were found in Morocco.

Stromatolites (also called microbial carbonates) are among the oldest forms of life on the planet, some dating back 3.5 billion years. They still exist today. These rock-like buildups of microbial mats that typically formed by the baffling, trapping, and precipitation of particles by communities of microorganisms such as bacteria and algae.

Fossil Coral are found throughout the world. Reefal Limestones are fossil remnants of coral reefs. Massive preservation of Coral reefs has occurred for hundreds of millions of years. Agatized fossil corals are known to occur in many parts of the world: Thailand, China, USA, Indonesia and dozens of other countries.

Amber is fossilized resin or gum produced by some fossil plants. Resins are exuded from within the tree when it's traumatized by attack or growth splits. The earliest recorded fossil resins are of the Carboniferous age, but ambers do not occur until the early Cretaceous.

We have several varieties. The Distilbe species is a Cretaceous Fish from the Santana Formation in Brazil. The Knightia species is a 55 million year old, fresh water, fossil herring. Found at 7200 feet elevation in the Green River formation near Kemmerer, Wyoming.

First discovered in Western Europe during the 1820s, today dinosaur fossils are found on all continents and several hundred distinct types of dinosaurs have now been classified. Dinosaurs are a group of extinct reptiles that first appeared about 225 million years ago and became extinct about 66 million years ago, at the end of the Mesozoic Era. Fossilization usually occurred when a dinosaur died and was buried or covered over by sediment rock particles. The dinosaur bone cabochons we use are mainly from Argentina.

Our Fossil Dinosaur Egg fragments are from Saltasaurus dinosaurs, and found in northwest Argentina. The Saltasaurus was a large plant eating dinosaur with an elongated neck and bony armor plates on its body, that lived during the late cretaceous period.

Petrified wood may become fossilized by silicates such as jasper, crytocrystalline quartz, and even opal. The material remains in its original structure as it is gradually petrified, but may occur in a variety of colors. This replacement occurs near the ground surface where silica is abundant in the ground water.

Because shark skeletons are composed of cartilage instead of bone, the only parts of the shark to survive as fossils are teeth. Fossil shark teeth date back hundreds of millions of years. The most common, however, are from the Cenozoic Era.The teeth we use are most often from the extict Mackerel Shark or the Great White Shark.

Pietercite is a chatoyant quartz which has a fibrous structure, and inclusions of crocidolite and horneblend. It has only recently been found in South Africa, and was given the name of its discoverer Sid Pieters. Pietercite is also known a the Tempest Stone and helps us to weather rough and stormy periods of our life and to build new order out of chaos.

Obsidian is a volcanic rock that forms when lava solidifies so quickly that there is not enough time for crystals to grow. As a rule, obsidian is glass. Glass, unlike crystals, has no regular structure and therefore fractures in smooth conchodial (curved) shapes. The intersection of these fractures can form edges sharper than the finest steel blades. For this reason, obsidian was used by many native cultures to make arrowheads and blades. Mahogony Obsidian - Rust color is caused by iron oxide. Snowflake Obsidian - White inclusions of crystobalite.

Translucent brown obsidian that resembles smokey quartz.

Sheen Obsidian can have a gold or silver iridescence. This is a result of tiny gas bubbles or very small crystals of mica, feldspar or quartz being included in the glass. A stone of achievement for those working to a goal in their life. It is said to create positive influences to overcome problems and provides inner tranquility to ease stress. This stone is an excellent general healer, with grounding and protective energy which shields against negativity. It transmutes negativity into the light and induces creativity. This stone connects with the "inner you" and brings out your best attributes. It cannot be misused.

Rainbow Obsidian is formed when various bands of colors are formed by very small inclusions of feldspar, quartz, topaz and tourmaline. Rainbow Obsidian helps to identify ones owns flaws and gives a clear picture of the changes which are necessary in one's life. Rainbow Obsidian is an excellent grounding stone and keeps one safe from emotional and physical harm while shielding negativity. Possessing Rainbow Obsidian disperses unloving thoughts that arise from inside or that are directed towards oneself, It is a stone of pleasure bringing gratification to one's life.

Lapis is a silicate of sodium and aluminum, containing sulfur. The name is derived from the Latin, lapis which means stone, and from the Arabic azul, which means blue. Lapis is a dark blue microcrystalline rock composed primarily of the mineral Lazurite. It often spakles with golden pyrite inclusions. This beautiful blue stone has many very helpful properties. Lapis is the "stone of total awareness". Other properties include emotional balancing, protection, insomnia relief, and prevents infection.

Mookite is an Australian jasper that combines the colors of yellow and red jasper. It is a stone that bestows strength, and encourages the desire for variety and new experiences. It promotes both a deep inner calm and and a desire for adventure simultaneously.

Jasper is an opaque, cryptocrystalline variety of quartz (chalcedony) that takes a high polish and is used as a gemstone. It is usually stained by impurities and occurs in various colors, such as red, green, yellow and blue. Jaspers are powerful healing stones, affecting different chakras and attitudes according to the color of the stone.

Zebra Jasper a green stone which has greyish streaks through the stone. It is great for meditation and centering. It relieves stress, and increases one's appreciation for the joy in life. Zebra Jasperis a stone that can help us connect to mother earth and to the infinite energy and love in the universe. Zebra stone, by these connections, can show us our own true natures and help us see past illusion. Zebra stone is particularly effective at protecting one's aura.

A jasper that is found in nature to have clusters of spots resembling an animal print. Leopard Jasper is said to help to discover ones animalistic side. They also say it helps one to be more responsible and helps with creative vision. As with all Jaspers, this is a protective stone.

Picture Jasper is widely known for its unique landscape patterns and wide range of colors. Picture Jasper is petrified or silicated mud and in the USA it is found in Idaho & Oregon. Picture Jasper is associated with harmony and visualization.

Dalmation Jasper is a beige stone with black spots very much like a dalmation. It is a stone that lessens or removes disillusionment. It helps one to see their strengths and weaknesses, and encourages grounding both with the Earth and in reality. Dalmatian Jasper increases loyalty and is beneficial for long term relationships. It is a stone of protection from nightmares, depression, and negative thinking. It is also particularly beneficial for healing people who have trouble relaxing and having fun.

Picasso jasper is metamorphic limestone. Metamorphosis is one of the three ways stones are formed (the other kinds of stones are igneous and sedimentary). Geologically, a metamorphic stone forms deep in the earth, its essential nature altered by heat and pressure.

Fancy Jasper is a quartz colored by iron impurities. Different colors appear in fancy jasper because of how the iron reacts to the stones. It varies in color from forest green to burgundy and gold. It is considered a stone that gives a sense of well-being. Fancy Jasper intensifies and lightens that feeling.

Poppy Jasper is the reddish variation of brecciated jasper. It has the qualities of enhancing organizational abilities, relaxation, and a sense of wholeness. It inspires a positive attitude and gives motivation and energy to take creative action.

Rainbow Jasper is the stone that represents lifes fire. This magic mineral energizes the life force, rejuvenates the mind and spirit, promotes generosity, and gives the user courage, wisdom and protection from lifes sources of stress.

Silver Leaf Jasper is a greyish stone with black feathering. This jasper encourages willpower and is worn by independent, highly disciplined people, or by those who would like to be. Silver Leaf was once the scared stones for kings and shamans.

Agates are varieties of chalcedony and occur in nodular masses, in rocks such as volcanic lavas. They are formed from microscopic quartz crystals laid down in bands. Agates are grounding stones aiding in emotional, physical and intellectual balance.

Crazy Lace Agate is a quartz found in Mexico. It is a beige opaque stone with beautiful patterning throughout the stone. Pinks, reds & browns are commonly mixed with the beige background to produce an amazing stone. Crazy Lace Agte is a balancing and protecting stone. It brings laughter and absorbs emotional pain. Crazy Lace Agate is used to help with decision making by balancing the physical, emotional, and mental so that it is easy to make decisions. It also helps one stay focused. It is generally a protective stone, but is particularly emotionally protective. It is also said to ward off the "evil eye."

Pyrite crystals (fools gold) are trapped in agate creating this unusual variety of stone.

Blue Lace Agte is a beautiful, pale sky blue with concentric markings. It is a cryptocrystalline quartz stone. It is a banded chalcedony, the bands having been formed by rhythmic crystallization. It helps you stay well balanced. It sharpens sight, illuminates the mind and helps you speak.

Fire Agate is a cryptocrystalline silica with excellent hardness, about 7. It is known to occur in only two regions in the world -- the Central Basin of Mexico and the Sonoran Desert areas of Arizona and northern Mexico. Due to the way fire agate forms it is seldom possible, or desirable, to cut standardized, calibrated stone. Instead one must follow the contours established as the stone grew. It requires patience, perseverance, and imagination.

Botswana Agate has a grey background with brown, light grey and white bands running through the stone. Origin is Botswana, Africa. Botswana agate enhances creativity and abstract thinking, stimulates and energizes the crown chakra.

Unikite is composed of epidote, red feldspar, and quartz. The green is associated with healing, and the pink associated with the heart--hence it is considered important in heart problems. Because it combines the pink (feminine) with the green (masculine), it is thought to bring emotional balance and alignment. Thought helpful in diagnosing elusive illnesses and help get to the root of the issue.

A druse is formed when the ground water carrying silica is forced into porous areas of rock. Rapid cooling often occurs, causing the formation of tiny crystals on the surface of the rock. These are often called druse. Druse means little crystals.

A geode is a rounded mass of rock that has a cavity lined with crystals or mineral matter. Geodes can be filled with crystals of agate, amethyst and citrine.

This translucent, reddish orange variety of chalcedony was once thought to still the blood and calm the temper. It's various shades of red are due to the presence of iron oxide. Carnelian is also known as a stone of great spirituality. It has been said to be a heling gem with a wonderous capacity for mental and physical healing properties.

Sodalite has a deep blue color similar to that of Lazurite, to which it is closely related. The composition of Sodalite is sodium, aluminium, and chlorosilicate. Sodalite is polished for use as an ornamental stone or sometimes cut into cabochons. Sodalite is found in Maine, in the Ural Mountains of Soviet Russia, on Mount Vesuvius in Italy, and in Norway.

Rhodonite is named after the Greek word for rose, rhodon. Found in Germany and New Zealand. Rhodonite is said to be the stone of patience.

Rhodochrosite (whose name means rose-colored) is a very attractive mineral with an absolutely one-of-a-kind, beautiful color. Although it can be an ore of manganese, it is its ornamental and display specimen qualities that make it a very popular mineral. The color of a single crystal can just astound the observer with its vivid pink-rose color that seems to be transmitted out of the crystal as if lit from within.

Ocean Jasper is found in the northwest coast of Madagascar. Ocean Jasper, also known as Orbicular Jasper, is an agate by standard definition (agate being translucent and jasper being opague). Ocean Jasper is rarely opaque. It was decided to call the material a jasper because rhyloitic patterns have been associated with the jasper category in the past.

Moonstone is the opalescent variety of orthoclase, with a blue or white sheen, rather like the shine of the moon. This is caused by the reflection of light from the internal structure, made up of alternating layers of albite and orthoclase feldspar.

Labradorite has a beautiful iridescence, which means the colors can change depending on the direction and angle of the light stricking the rock. Labradorite was first found in 1770 on the Labrador Peninsula in Canada where crystals several feet across have been found. It is said to be a power stone and strengthen ones intuitions.

Turquoise forms in aluminum-rich igneous and sedimentary rocks that have been altered, often by surface water. The name Turquoise comes from a french word pierre turquin which means dark-blue stone. Turquoise is a valuable mineral and is possibly the most valuable, non-transparent mineral in the jewelry trade. It has been mined since at least 6000 BC. by early Egyptians. Its history also includes beautiful ornamental creations by Native Americans and Persians. It is the birthstone for December.

Chrysocolla forms as circular, microscopic crystals, in radiating groups, or in close packed aggregates. Chrysacola forms in the oxidation zone of copper deposits. It occurs with azurite, malachite and cuprite.

Imperial Jasper is one of the finest jasper on the market today. It is found over a wide area in Guadalahara, Mexico. There are many varieties and each "lot" that come into the United States has some different characteristics from previously imported material. This jasper forms as nodules and usually has a soft white chalky exterior. The colors are typically shades of pink, red, and green.

The toughness of jade is remarkable. It has a strength greater than quartz and was put to work by many early civilizations for axes, knives and weapons. It was later that jade became a symbolic stone used in ornaments and other religious artifacts. Jade is the official gemstone of Alaska.

Print Stone comes out of Western Australia. It is a silicated sandstone. The stone is unique because of it animal-print patterns.

This form of Cryptocrystaline Quartz contains inclusions of small crystals that reflect light and give a range of colors - depending on the nature of the inclusion. Aventurine is reputed to bring it's bearer good luck, abundance, adventures in travel, and emotional health. Independence and career changes are also associated with this stone. Aventurine is Birthstone for Taurus (April 20- May 20) and is the anniversary stone for the 8th year of marriage.

Red aventurine has the properties of aventurine, plus more because of its color and composition. Red aventurine enhances creativity and ability to see possibilities. It can heal the reproductive system, and sometimes reverse diseases. It also can bring prosperity and lessen negativity.

Malachite is a famous and very popular semi-precious stone. It is named for the Greek word for "mallow", a green herb. Its banded light and dark green designs are one-of-a-kind, and give it a unique ornamental quality unlike that of any other stone. It is a stone of transformation and helps with change and spiritual evolution. Malachite helps balance pure love, romance, and one's own well-being. Malachite is a stone of good fortune and prosperity/abundance.

Chalcedony is quartz that has crystals too tiny to see without a microscope. Like Opal, it forms in holes of rocks and can replace organic matter, such as wood and coral. Chalcedony can be found in a variety of colorful forms.

Being part of the calcite family, it is a calcite with metalic copper included in the stone.

Serafinite is a dark-green stone that has silvery chatoyant fibers running through the stone. Serafinite is said to be the "Premier Healing Stone" of this age. It is strongly recommended for the strengthening and activating of chakras. Seraphinite is often referred to an an angel stone because of its higher energies and relationship with angels. Seraphinite is said to help contact angels and communicate with them. Seraphinite is found in Eastern Siberia, Russia.

Bloodstone is a green jasper dotted and feathered with bright red spots of iron oxide. According to the legend of Bloodstone, it was first formed when Christ's blood fell and stained some jasper at the foot of the cross. Bloodstone is said to be a a stone of courage, bringing mental, physical and emotional renewal by releasing blockages. It is said to be particularly good for helping emotional traumas and grief. It also enhances the intellect.

Makume-Gane is made the same way ancient metalsmiths fabricated samari-swords. It it a mixture of silver and copper plates which have been folded and molded together using a combitation of heat and brut strength. Mokume-Gane translates from the Japanese to Wood Grain Metal.

Rainbow calcilica is a newly-found, multi-colored, layered stone composed of calcium and silica. This stone has been recently used for Zuni fetish carvings and in some jewelry (beads and cabochon cut stones). Rainbow calsilica was only recently found in Chihuahua, Mexico and in South America (it's origin remains mysterious). Some people theorize that this stone formed as a result of the runoff of mining or oil-drilling chemicals, and has only formed in the last 30 to 50 years (but this is uncertain).

Kyanite is an aluminum silicate. Not only does it repel negative energy, it looks great with denim. It aligns all chakras. It occurs in light to dark blue, green, colorless and brown colors in a transparent form with the blue color being most used in gemstones. Kyanite is of interest because of the extreme variablity in hardness with direction. In one direction, the hardness is 4.5 and in the other it is 7.

Aztec Lapis is more or less an unknown stone. Mined near Mexico City and it is actually a Jasper. It is termed a Lapis for its blue color. Aztec Lapis ranges from light to dark blue and has metal inclusions. It is a beautiful stone and most look like an ariel view from space of the ocean and coastline.

Serpentine is a rock forming mineral and is found as a constituent in many metamorphic and weather igeous rocks. In Serpentine with Magnatite, it is known to have a magnetic property in the stone. Serpentine is said to owe is name either to it's colors or patterns from an old belief that the stones were effective protection from snake bites. This stone is found all over the world.

Septarian Nodules were formed millions of years ago when the Gulf of Mexico reached what is now Southern Utah. Decomposing sea life killed by volcanic eruptions, had a chemical attraction for the sediment around them, forming mud balls. As the ocean receded, the balls were left to dry and crack. Because of their content they also shrank at the same time trapping the cracks inside.

Ryolite is a volcanic rock made up of quartz, feldspar and plagioclase. It is erupted at temperatures of 700 to 850 degrees celcius. Rhyolite is known as a stone of resolution and perseverence. It is said to help communication of all kinds, and helps one listen easily and without distorting the message one is hearing. It is also a wonderful stone for meditaiton. Rhyolite balances the Yin/Yang (masculine and feminine) energies. It can help one allow other people into their lives, even if one has been reclusive or solitary.

Azurite is a soft, deep blue copper mineral produced by weathering of cooper ore deposits. Copper is a strong coloring agent. Mined all over world, although Lyon France is known for it's stricking specimens. Azurite is often associated with its colorful close cousin, Malachite.

Onyx is a variety of chalcedony which is a form of quartz. Black stones have protective enegeries in the sense that black is the absence of light, and therefore, can be used to create invisability. Onyx can help release negative emotions such as sorrow and grief. Onyx is also worn to defend against negativity that is directed at you.

Black Sardonyx is a banded form of onyx (chalcedony) which is quartz. The colors if its bands are usually white and brownish red.

Red Sardonyx is a varient of onyx with red to orange bands that are sard rather than black. Sardonyx is a banded form of onyx (chalcedony) which is quartz.

Pink Corundum - Lab Sapphire; Dark Blue Corundum - Lab Sapphire; Pink Corundum - Lab Sapphire; Pink Corundum - Lab Sapphire; Red Corundum - Lab Ruby; Purple Corundum - Lab Alexandrite; Aquamarine Blue - Lab Spinel; Minty Green - Lab Sea Foam; Purplish Blue Tanzanite - Lab Spinel

Star diopside comes mainly from India. Star Diopside is included with four crystal faces for the light to travel through. When viewed it looks as if there is a floating star across the top of the gemstone that changes with the light.

Tiffany Stone formed from water circulating underground, eventually penetrating nearby volcanic tuff layers and precipitating out as fluorite-rich siliceous nodules. The nodules consist mainly of quartz, chalcedony, agate and opal. Only 75% of the siliceous nodules contain fluorite, and the nodules that do contain it vary considerably in total fluorite content.

Larimar is one of the newest and rarest gemstones to have been discovered and cataloged. It was formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity and can be found only in the Dominican Republic. The extaordinary color of Larimar comes from the unique composition of the minerals including copper and vanadium. Occasionally Hematite Dendrites, Calcite and Natrolite inclusions occur. This sought after stone is a relatively new discovery. The first Larimar specimens were found in the latter half of the 20th century.

Cubic Zirconia is a cubic form of zirconium oxide that is created in a laboratory, thus it is not a mineral. However, it was found naturally occurring once at one site in the 1930's, but has yet to be discovered since then. The mineral with the same chemical composition as CZ, but in the monoclinic crystal system, is baddeleyite.

These beautiful irredescent glowing cubic zirconias are mesmerizing. They are produced using the same technique that is used to make the Mystic Fire Topaz. A thin coating is applied to the stone to produce vibrant colors.

Wonderstone is a volcanic rock composed predominantly of volcanic glass and ash particles which have been stuck together by heat and compacted by the weight of overlying material. Alteration of the rock by circulating ground water produced the colorful banding. The maroon and yellow-brown colors are due to the presence of iron oxides. Often confused with sandstone or picture jasper, Wonderstone possesses a nice shine and smoothe surface. Wonderstone is found in Utah.

Charoite is a beautiful purple color with the unique patterns of swirls, feathers and needles. It may contain patches or stars of black. Charoite is said to be the "Stone of the Spirit". Wearing Charoite is believed to enhance self-esteem, accelerate spiritual growth, soothe hot emotions, give a feeling of security. Charoite changes loneliness to love and warms the heart, it shows you the way through your fears to perfect peace. Charoite is found in the Murun Mountains in Yakutia, Russia.

Sugilite ranges in color from deep purple to pale lavender and even sometimes appeard as violet blue. It was discovered in 1944 in Japan by Professor Kenici Sugi. Sugilite is sometimes known as "the healer's stone" because of its great ability to enhance healing. It is said to provide a barrier from all negativity, both physical and non-physical.

Opal is a poorly crystalline or amorphous hydrous silica. Precious opal reflects light with a play of brilliant colours across the visible spectrum, red being the most valued. Opal forms by precipitation from silica-bearing solutions near the Earth's surface.Opal is the birthstone for October.

The Beach Stone used in our jewelry is found on the Abaco beaches in the Bahamas. River stones are tumbled and smoothed by the running water. Beach & River stones vary in color and are found throughout the world by rock hounds.

Staurolite crystals often grow together as two crystals that seem to pass through each other. Geologists call these crystals "penetration twins." Staurolite twins grow at right angles to each other, forming crosses. Its name comes from the greek word "stauros" for cross. It was associated with Christianity as a symbol for the cross and as a good luck charm.

Moldavite is the product of a meteor collision with Earth nearly 15 million years ago. It fell over the Moldau River valley in the Czech Republic. These green gems are among the most rare minerals on earth. It is legend to be the stone of the Holy Grail and has the power to quicken one's spiritual evolution. Sleeping with Moldavite activates the Deams State and wearing it helps manifest positive life change.

Tektites are black or greenish pieces of natural glass. Tecktites form when a meteorite hits the earth and melts the rock it collides with. Some pieces cool into streamlined shapes, others solidify as squashed droplets.

This Meteorite is found in Campo del Cielo, Gran Chaco Gualamba, Argentina, about 500 miles north-northwest of Buenos Aries. It fell 3000 to 5000 years ago. This meteorite was one of the last biggest falls on Earth that was discovered by the Spanish during the conquest of South America in 1576. A Spanish governor learned of the iron from the Indians who reportedly believed that it had fallen from heaven. Iron meteorites are very dense rocks made of iron-nickel minerals and an iron sulfide mineral called triilite. They come from the inner cores of the asteroids.

Pyrite is the classic "Fools Gold" because of its brass yelloe color and glistening metallic luster. Pyrite usually forms in cubes, these can be one large cube or several tiny cubes together. Pyrite is a stone of intellect and protection. It enhances intelligence, mental stability, logic, analysis, creativity, memory, and psychic development. Pyrite is a powerful protection stone, and is very grounding.

Granite is an igneous rock that is composed of four minerals. These minerals are quartz, feldspar, mica, and usually hornblende. Granite forms as magma cools far under the earth's surface. Because it hardens deep underground it cools very slowly. Zebra Granite is black with white streaks throughout.

Mother of pearl gets its name from the fact that it is the iridescent lining of shell, where pearls can grow. It is also called nacre. Nacre is continually deposited onto the inner surface of the shell, both as a means to smooth the shell itself and as a defense against damaging parasites. It is said to attract prosperity and highten intution and imagination.

Pearls are hard, rounded ojects produced by certain mollusks. As a response to an irritant inside it shell, the mollusks deposits layers of nacre around the irritant. The commonly held belief that a grain of sand acts as the irritant is rarely the case. Usually the irritant is small particles of organic material, parasites, or even damage that displaces mantle tissue to another part of the animals body. Freshwater pearls are formed in lakes, rivers, ponds and other bodies of fresh water. Cultered Pearls are grown is oysters that live in the ocean and protected lagoons. Cultured or freshwater pearls are considered to offer the power of love, money, protection, and luck. Pearls are thought to give wisdom through experience, to quicken the laws of karma and to cement engagements and love relationships.

The most famous type of freshwater cultured pearl is the Biwa (pronounced bee-wah) pearl which used to come from mussels grown in Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake.

A Mabe is a pearl which is grown against the inside of the oyster's shell, rather than within its tissue. Mabes occassionally appear in nature. Cultured mabes are grown intentionally, by using a hemispheric nucleus, rather than a round one; and by implating it against the oysters shell. The pearl then develops with a bump and a flat back. While in the oyster a mabe pearl is actually considered a blister pearl not a mabe pearl. After the blister pearl has been "worked" it then becomes a mabe pearl. Blister pearls are worked by cutting the pearl out of the shell.

Coral is a stone of organic origin. Coral can be used to reconnect with nature and its variety of wonders. Coral also attracts love and prosperity, particularly red coral, which is a stone of passion. Creativity and optimism are also qualities that coral brings out. Emotionally, coral brings inner peace, strength, and understanding of purpose.

Abalones are members of a large class (Gastropoda) of molluscs having one-piece shells. They belong to the family Haliotidae and the genus Haliotis, which means sea ear, referring to the flattened shape of the shell. Wild abalone appear in many different varieties. Most abalone live in shallow waters and grow slowly.

Fluorite is well known and prized for its glassy luster and rich variety of colors. The range of common colors for fluorite starting from the hallmark color purple, then blue, green, yellow, colorless, brown, pink, black and reddish orange is amazing. It is easy to see why fluorite earns the reputation as "The Most Colorful Mineral in the World".

A variety of Quartz which is a combination of Citrine and Smokey Quatz together. Found in Brazil it is widely used in jewelry for its unique color. Another gemstone that has the same characteristics is Ametrine (citrine & amethyst).

Smokey Quartz is a brown variety of quartz. It is a grounding and stabilizing stone. It brings calm and centering, lifts depression, enhances practicality, and generally removes negative energies, bringing happiness.

Rose quartz is a pale pink color of quartz usually found in Brazil. Rose Quartz is a stone of unconditional love. It opens the heart chakra to all forms of love: self-love, family love, platonic love, and romantic love. The elevated energy of quartz gives rose quartz a property of enhancing love in virtually any situation. It also brings gentleness, forgiveness, and tolerance.

Rutilated quartz is included with "needle like" rutile crystals. The rutile needles can be reddish, golden, silvery, or on very rare occassions, greenish. Rutilated Quartz is purported to be an energizing stone that help get energy moving on all levels. It enhances mental and physical stability. It is reputed by intuitives and folklore to diminish fears, depression and issues with decision-making. Tourmalinated quartz also known as black quartz is an excellent protective stone, and brings balance and inner strength.

Tourmalinated Quartz also known as black tourmaline in quartz, is an excellent protective stone, and brings balance and inner strength. It deflects and grounds negativity, and reduces anxiety and depression.

Quartz is one of the most common minerals in the earths continental crust. It comes in many varieties from translucent to opaque. Acient Romans believed quartz to be a permanently frozen ice.

Lodalite is a Quartz, included with Chlorite, iron oxide and sometimes calcite. It comes from Minas Gerais, Brazil. Lodalite is often called Landscape Quartz, garden quartz or scenic quartz because of the beautiful formations found just below the clear quartz layer. It is said to enhance communication with beings on the spiritual plane and heighten one's spiritual energies. It is also said to increase ESP and bring knowledge from your past lives.

Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz and is a popular gemstone. The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek and means "not drunken." This may be due to a belief that amethyst would ward off the effects of alcohol, but most likely the Greeks were referring to the almost wine-like color of some stones that they may have encountered. Its color is unparalleled, and even other, more expensive purple gemstones are often compared to its color and beauty. It is the birthstone for February.

The yellow variety of quartz is called Citrine. Brazil is the leading producer of naturally mined Citrine. This gem has a hardness of 7 and often is formed in large trigonal crystals or in clusters such as those found in geodes. Citrine (SiO2) has the same chemical makeup as amethyst, rose quartz, and tiger-eye. In fact amethyst, when heated, will turn yellow like citrine. Citrine stimulates self-esteem, joy and clear thinking. It activates the solar pelxus and as the "Merchant's Stone," it can help bring more money to your cash drawer.

Additional information can be found at:
International Color Gemstone Association

Peridot is a silicate of magnesium and iron. Peridot is perhaps derived from the French word peritot which means unclear, probably due to the inclusions and cloudy nature of large stones. Peridot has been mined as a gemstone for an estimated four thousand years or better, and is mentioned in the Bible under the Hebrew name of pitdah. Historical legend says peridot was the favorite gemstone of Cleopatra. It is the birthstone for August.

Tourmaline is a coveted gemstone because of its stricking colors. The colors range from violet, green, pink, brown, dual colors of pink & green and the most common is black. Most Tourmaline is mined in Minas Gerais, Brazil and Africa. It increases flexibility, happiness, objectivity, compassion and serenity. It also enhances tolerance and understanding. It is a stone that is very helpful for channeling.

Topaz is a balancing and calming stone that balances emotions, releases tension, balances emotions, and can bring joy. Topaz is also believed to bring success and good fortune, and synchronicity. It is also used for protection, particularly protection from the evil eye and greed. It also is said to bring creativity, individuality, true love, and hope. It is the birthstone of November.

Sky (light colored), Swiss (medium colored) & London (deep blue) Blue Topaz are all different grades of this Quartz. Blue Topaz brings leadership ability to anyone who wears or carries it. It also enhances and improves psychic knowledge, spiritual growth, and psychic insight.

Garnets as a group are relatively common in highly metamorphosed rocks and in some igneous formations. They form under the high temperatures and pressure. Garnets are found throughout the world, with larger deposits in Arizona, Kenya, Brazil, India, and Thailand. It is the birthstone for January.

This rather exotic stone, typically has two colors in the same gem. Purple (amethyst) and yellow (citrine) come together to form this unique stone. Ametrine is found mainly in Bolivia. This quartz gem has a hardness of 7 and often is formed in large trigonal crystals or in clusters such as those found in geodes. Ametrine energies are said to stimulate the intellect and rid the aura of negative energy.

The majority of our Beach Glass was collected over a period of years from the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Over time these broken bottles are beaten and tumbled by the tumultuous ocean. The rough edges are smoothed and its finish frosted. Eventually, the glass is washed up on shore and collected. Due to demand for popular colors, some of the glass is tumbled.

Art glass is created by blending molten glass in a kiln. Hundreds of individual pieces of stained glass are placed in a kiln, the temperature is then raised until the glass is molten. At around 1700 degrees in a kiln, glass becomes fluid like. By employing a variety of techniques more glass is layered into the kiln. By knowing how and when to introduce the glass into the kiln, you are able to create different patterns and layering.

Dicroic Glass was developed by NASA for light refraction experiments in space. The word dicroic means "two colors" because of the two or more colors that the glass reflects and transmits. Dicroic glass is popularly said to have no metaphysical properties.

Fiber Optic Cable is available in a wide range of colors including, Lilac, Plum, Cocoa Brown, Rose Pink, Navy Blue,Swiss Blue, Ice White, Silver Grey, Black, Spring Green, Emerald Green, Teal, Aqua Blue, Royal Blue, Sunshine Yellow, Citrus Orange, and Fire Red. It is made from the same material used in modern telephone and data lines.

Tiger eye can be yellow/brown, red/black, or blue/gray. The yellow/brown type is the most popular. Tiger eye is wide spread throughout the world, with larger concentrations of the mineral in Brazil and Uruguay. This gem has a hardness of 7. A gemstone of average popularity, tiger eye (SiO2) has the same chemical makeup as citrine, rose quartz, and amethyst.

Amazonite is a gem variety of microcline feldspar. It displays a lustrous reflection from planes in a mineral grain caused by inclusions and is similar to what is more commonly known as iridescence. Orthoclase feldspar and albite are present in close association, arranged in layers. This causes an interference effect of light. Amazonite is found in the United States, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Russia, Australia, Namibia. Amazonite Enhances creative expression and improves self worth.

Prehnite was named after its discoverer; Colonel Hendrik von Prehn and is an attractive collection mineral that is occassionally used for ornamental stone purposes. Its color is usually a pleasant green and is at times quite unique to prehnite. Typical prehnite forms rather thick crusts with a rough or crystaline texture. In metaphysical terms Prehnite is thought to be a protective stone and strengthen the life force and aid in regeneration whilst stimulating energy flow and information. It facilitates spiritual communication through meditation and is considered a powerful dream stone and is used to encourage lucid dreaming