STONES
In addition to turquoise many other beautiful stones are used by Native American
artists.
click here to see the turquoise
stones used by our artists
AMBER
Amber is the fossilized resin or sap of ancient trees. It is usually golden yellow to
golden orange and is transparent to translucent. Often is has a cracked or weathered
surface. Occasionally it may contain insects that were trapped in its sticky substance
millions of years ago. When rubbed, amber produces a negative electrical charge that
attracts dust. For gem work, amber may be heated or dyed to improve its appearance. The
most famous deposits of amber are in the Baltic region along the coasts of Poland and the
former USSR. It is also found other places throughout the world, including the U.S. Amber
should be polished professionally, and chemicals and ultrasonic exposure should be
avoided.
AMETHYST
Amethyst is a violet to red-purple crystalline quartz (silicon dioxide) and is a fairly
hard stone. It is found in deposits left by flowing water such as river beds or flood
plains. Its best known occurrence is in geodes, globular rocks lined inside with crystals.
It is found in many areas of the world including North America, Brazil, India, Germany,
and Australia. Amethyst was traditionally worn in some parts of the world to guard against
drunkenness and to instill a serious and sober mind.
AZURITE
Azurite is azure-blue to dark blue. When it mixes with green malachite, a lovely swirl of
blue and green colors occurs. This is often referred to as azurite, but technically should
be called azurite associated with malachite. Azurite is a basic copper carbonate and is an
ore of copper. The stone used in America comes from copper deposits in Arizona, Utah, and
Mexico.
CHAROITE
Charoite was first introduced in the U.S. from the Charo River area in Siberia in 1976. It
is a lavender to deep purple color and can include swirl and silky zones or needle like
patterns. It is a hydrous silicate if sodium, calcium, and potassium and is fairly hard.
Charoite has been used not only in jewelry, but as inlay in furniture.
CHRYSOPHRASE
Chrysophrase is a variety of microcrystalline quartz, chalcedony, or silicon dioxide. It
is a translucent, apple-green stone. The color comes from the presence of nickel. The
stone is found in Queensland, Australia, as well as in Brazil, California, the Urals in
Russia, and Austria.
CITRINE
Citrine is a quartz. In its natural variety, it is yellow or golden yellow. The yellow
coloration is due to the presence of iron, and the gem is quite hard. Natural citrine is
rare, so most citrine on the market is heat-treated amethyst, which changes to yellow when
heated. Natural citrine is found in Spain, Madagascar, and the former Soviet Union.
CORAL
Coral is the skeletal remains of marine animals called coral polyps. These are tiny
creatures that live in colonies and build branching structures of calcium carbonate and
the colonies grow to reefs and atolls. The surface of the coral branches can show the
patterns made by the animals, sometimes striped or like a wood grain. Coral comes in
several colors such as white, pink, salmon, and red which is the most valuable. The most
precious coral is found in warm waters such as the coasts of Japan, around the
Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, and around Africa. In some areas, coral is said to protect
children, and parents may give their young children a gift of coral. Coral polishes well,
but is sensitive to heat, acids, cosmetics, and ultrasonic exposure.
COVELLITE
Covellite is dark indigo-blue or darker, often highly iridescent in brass-yellow and deep
red. It is a copper sulfide, frequently with a small amount of iron. Covellite was first
found at Vesuvius by the Italian mineralogist, Niccolo Covelli (1790-1829), and named in
his honor. It is rare, but in the U.S. has been found in Alaska, Montana, Colorado, and
Utah.
DENIM LAPIS
Denim Lapis is the trade name for lapis lazuli or lazurite which is milky, denim-blue in
color. Denim lapis gets its color due to a mixture with other minerals such as shite
calcite. It is found wherever lapis is found: Afghanistan, Argentina, Russia, Chile, and
the United States. Ultrasonic and chemical exposure can damage denim lapis.
FAUSTITE
Turquoise and faustite belong to the solid solution series of the turquoise group of gem
stones. The different shades of color appear to originate from variable proportions of
copper and zinc in the stone. The yellowish apple green contains more zinc than copper and
may be considered as faustite, whereas the bluish green contains more copper than zinc and
is closer to turquoise in composition.
GASPEITE
Gaspeite is similar in color to zinc-based green turquoises such as those included in the
Carico Lake and Damele mines in Nevada. However, gaspeite is a nickel carbonate rather
than a turquoise. The chartreuse green stone is rare, even in its homeland of Australia.
The deposit currently being worked is in Widgemooltha, about 70 miles southeast of
Coolgardie. Gaspeite is a little softer than turquoise, and should be treated with at
least as much care as turquoise. Therefore, avoid banging it or bending the silver setting
beneath it, and do not expose it to chemicals or lotions, as it may absorb them and
discolor.
IOLITE
Iolite is also known as dichroite and cordierite (after a French geologist, P.L.A.
Cordier). It is violet to violet-blue in color. The name iolite comes from the Greek ion,
meaning violet. It is a magnesium aluminum silicate and is quite hard. It is found in
Connecticut, in the Northwest Territories in Canada, Germany, Norway, and Finland.
JADE
Jade was thought to be a single gemstone until 1864 when two types were recognized:
jadeite and nephrite. Nephrite is more common, is extremely hard and was first used for
weapons. It varies in color from a dark green (iron rich) to a cream color (magnesium
rich). It may be smooth, blotchy, or banded in color. It is found in Turkistan, Myanmar,
Siberia, Russia, China, New Zealand, Australia, North America, Zimbabwe, and Europe.
Jadeite occurs in a wide range or colors, including green, lilac,
white, pink, brown, red, blue, black, orange, and yellow. The most valued jade is imperial
jade, a rich emerald green due to chromium content. When polished, jadeite typically has a
dimpled surface. Jadeite occurs in Myanmar, historically in Guatemala, in Japan, and
California.
The Spanish adopted the use of jadeite when they invaded Central
America, calling it loin stone or kidney stone because it was believed to be a cure for
hip and kidney problems.
JASPER
Jasper is an opaque, fine-grained variety of chalcedony, silicon dioxide. Jasper is found
in many colors, including red, brown, yellow, green, and mixtures of these. Red Jasper
occurs in India and Venezuela. Other colors are found in California, Russia, France, and
Germany. In some areas of the world, it is believed to protect against sight defects and
drought.
JET
Jet is organic, a variety of lignite. It is black or dark brown. Like coal, it was formed
from the remains of wood and stagnant water that was compacted and fossilized over
millions of years. It takes a good polish. Jet can produce a negative charge when rubbed
so it attracts dust. Jet has been mined since about 1400 B.C., according to evidence of
Roman mining during their occupation of the British Isles. It is also found throughout the
world, including the U.S. In 19th century England it was popular for "mourning"
jewelry. In some areas powdered jet was added to wine or water for its purported medicinal
properties.
LABRADORITE
Labradorite, a member of the feldspar group of stones, was first found in Labrador, Canada
in 1770. Occurrences of it are also found in Russia, Finland, Norway, the Malagasy
Republic, Mexico, and the U.S. Its composition is sodium calcium aluminosilicate. The
stone can be gray, green, yellow, orange, or colorless and may have a pearly streak
similar to moonstone, also a member of the feldspar group. Sometimes it shows a flash of
blue and green colors when viewed at changing angles. This is called labradorescence.
LAPIS LAZULI
Lapis lazuli, also known as lazurite, is a silicate of sodium, calcium, and aluminum, with
some sulfur, and is dark blue in color. The best quality has minor patches of white
calcite and brassy yellow pyrite. It is usually found in boulders or within limestone. It
is found in Afghanistan, Argentina, Russia, Chile, and the U.S. Lapis has been used in
famous works of art, including the death mask of Tutankhamen. It has been worn in some
areas n the belief that it will protect the wearer from evil. Ultrasonic and chemical
exposure can damage lapis.
MABE PEARL
Mabe pearls, also known as blister pearls, are composite cultured pearls. A black-winged
oyster or mabe oyster is the host to two domed manmade hemispheres that are cemented
inside each shell half. The mother-of-pearl lining is ribboned with iridescent pastel
colors. In a successful mabe pearl, the colors suffuse the nacre or coating with the
oyster covers the hemispheres inside its shell. Nacre is composed of layers of calcium
carbonate, conchiolin, and water which the oyster secrets to protect itself from the
irritating hemispheres. The process of producing the nacre layers can take from six months
to three years.
The complete mabe pearl is cut from the oyster, its base smoothed
off and replaced with a backing to form a cabochon ready to be set in jewelry. Mabe pearls
are used when a large area of dome shaped pearl is desired in a piece of jewelry.
MALACHITE
Malachite is an opaque green stone, often with alternating bands of dark green. It is a
copper hydroxycarbonate and usually found in copper producing areas, particularly Zaire
and Arizona. In the past in some areas, malachite was worn to ward off danger and illness.
Ultrasonic and chemical exposure can damage malachite.
MOONSTONE
Moonstone is named after the subtle half-moon or cats eyes shaped blue-white sheen that
can be seen as one turns the stone. This shape is caused by the alignment of thin plates
within the structure of the stone. These plates show an opalescence or ardularescence that
seems to glide across the moonstone as it is turned.
Moonstone is a potassium aluminum silicate in the feldspar group
and is considered moderately hard. It is found in Sri Lanka, the Far East, and Brazil.
Several colors in addition to the colorless variety are valued in jewelry: pale yellow,
peach, and gray.
ONYX
Onyx is a variety of the microcrystalline quartz, chalcedony. It is found worldwide and is
formed when silicon dioxide is deposited in gas cavities of lava. Onyx is found in a wide
area of Chihuahua, Mexico, as well as in other parts of North America. Pure black onyx as
seen in jewelry has been dyed. The dye used in this process will not change when exposed
to light and heat.
OPAL
Opal is hydrated silica gel, hardened and containing 5% to 10% water. Its iridescence is
caused by the way tiny silica spheres in its structure refract light. The larger the
spheres, the greater the range of colors refracted. Since opal is noncrystalline, it may
over time dry out and crack. Precious opal fills cavities in sedimentary rocks or veins in
volcanic rocks. It can also replace organic material in fossil wood, shell, and bone.
Gem constructions using precious opal as a part include opal
doublet and triplet. In an opal doublet, the top piece is precious opal, and the base is
common or potch opal, glass, or chalcedony. In an opal triplet, an additional protective
dome of rock crystal has been added to the top. Australia is the main producer of opals,
and they are also found in Slovak countries, Brazil, Mexico, southern Africa, and the
United States.
PEARL
Pearl is the gemstone of lovers. The lovelorn have used it in their potions for centuries
and it is said to protect innocence and symbolize purity. A pearl is formed when a grain
of sand comes to rest inside an oyster's shell, the oyster surrounds the sand with a nacre
coating. Today, we assist the oyster by inserting a tiny sphere of natural material into
its shell. The oyster completes the process to give us the most luminous of gemstones. The
Cultured Pearl. A wide range of pearl shapes, sizes, and colors, and lusters include
cultured, round saltwater, elongated freshwater, mabe, Tahitian Black, and South Sea
Pearls.
Pearls come in a range of natural colors from white, cream, and
gold, to gray, blue, and black with hues of rose, lilac, and green. Different colors may
be achieved through bleaching, dyeing, or chemicals combined with heat or irradiation.
Store your pearls in a protective fabric pouch or wrap them in
tissue paper. Clean your strands with a soft damp cloth and your pearl jewelry with mild
soap and water. Avoid household chemicals, hair sprays, cosmetics, and perfume as they
will harm a pearls luster. An ultrasonic or steam jewelry cleaner should never be used to
clean pearls.
The symbolism of pearl is treasured as a gift for June birthdays,
a traditional gift for brides and celebration of the third and thirtieth anniversaries.
Pearl is a timeless gift of love.
QUARTZ
The word "quartz" comes from the Greek word krustallos meaning ice because the
early Greeks believed that quartz was formed by the Gods. Quartz is a crystalline stone
with a hexagonal crystal system, and is quite hard. In its natural form, it is found in
Scotland, Brazil, Madagascar, the Swiss Alps, Australia, Spain, and Colorado in the U.S.
Clear or rock quartz that is irradiated to enhance or change the color comes from Brazil,
the Swiss and French Alps, Madagascar, Russia, and the U.S.
Rose quartz, which is very light pink, is sometimes irradiated to
intensify its color. The rose or peach color is thought to be due to the presence of small
amounts of titanium.
Rutilated quartz is natural quartz with an inclusion of a
mineral, rutile, which appears to be golden needles embedded in the stone.
RHODOCHROSITE
Rhodochroscite in Greek means rose red. Its manganese content is the source of its color,
which ranges from rose red to white with rosy striations. The stone occurs in veins
associated with manganese, copper, silver, and lead. Rhodochrosite is found in Argentina,
but today the main source is in the United States.
SERPENTINE
Serpentine is a Houdini among minerals. It sports various colors from green to brown,
differing chemical properties, and numerous names. A basic hydrous magnesium silicate,
serpentine is divided into leafy (Antigorite) and Fibrous (Crysolite) categories.
Leafy serpentine is found in all hues of green. The unusual
apple-green color used in most serpentine jewelry is the Bowenite type. The crysolite
serpentine is brown with fibrous wavy looking streaks. The reference to
"serpents" in the name, serpentine, reflects this characteristic. Asbestos has
one of the finest fibrous qualities of the category, and of course is not used in jewelry.
Serpentine is found in many countries around the world.
SHELLS
Shells, made of calcium carbonate, come in a wide variety of colors and are used to make
heishi beads and used in inlay work. Some of the more commonly used shells in Native
American jewelry include: The shell that is pictured is Spiney Oyster.
Abalone- A mollusk shell, usually from Mexico, with an iridescent blue-green color.
Cowrie- This shell is a glossy, china-like shell often with brown spots, usually in
inlay.
Gold Lip- Also part of the inside of the oyster, it has a nice golden iridescent
color.
Melon- This shell is a light cream color and is often used in heishi.
Mother-of-pearl- The inside surface of the oyster, which has a whitish iridescent
color.
Pen- This shell is an earthy brown color and is often used in heishi.
Pink Mussel- this shell, from the Mississippi delta area, is a nice iridescent
pink.
Spiney Oyster- This shell, from the Sea of Cortez in Mexico, comes in colors such
as purple, red, orange, and yellow.
SMOKY QUARTZ
Smoky quartz, natural or irradiated, is hard stone. In its natural form, it is found in
Scotland, Brazil, Madagascar, the Swiss Alps, Australia, Spain, and Colorado in the U.S.
If irradiated, clear or rock quartz is found in Brazil, the Swiss and French Alps,
Madagascar, Russia, and the U.S.
SODALITE
Sodalite, sodium aluminate silicate with chlorine, is a blue stone often containing milky
streaks of calcite. It is found in Canada, Brazil, India, Namibia, and the United States.
Princess Margaret of England discovered a sodalite deposit near Bancroft, Ontario, Canada
during a royal visit. Therefore,sodalite from this deposit is sometimes called Princess
Blue.
SUGILITE
Sugilite (soo-ji-lite) is named after Professor Ken-ichi Sugi, a Japanese specialist in
rock formation and composition, who discovered the mineral in sand form in southwestern
Japan in 1944. However, it was not found in gem quality form until 1979 when a mass
between 10 and 12 tons was unearthed in a manganese mine in the Kalahari Desert in Africa.
Gem quality sugilite, a manganese based mineral, has not been found elsewhere.
Sugilite has an opaque, deep purple color that ranges from
lavender to magenta. It forms in layers so that bands often show in the stone. If cut
between the bands, fish-egg and flower patterns are displayed. Manganoan sugilite tends
toward a deep, uniform color. Quartz sugilite has a lighter, more mottled color. The stone
has been used in Southwestern jewelry since about 1981. Because it has been found only in
one limited deposit, gem quality sugilite is considered collectible.
VARISCITE
Variscite, a hydrated phosphate of aluminum and iron, is pale green to emerald green as
well as bluish green. It has white streaks. The stone ranges from translucent to opaque,
and is fairly hard. It is similar to turquoise except that turquoise is slightly denser.
The name is from Variscia, an ancient district in Germany where the mineral was originally
found. Variscite is found in Clay Canyon (near Fairfield) Utah, in Nevada, and in
Queensland, Australia.
WAMPUM
The wonders of Wampum are that the purple and white Quahog Clam Shell has been treasured
by the Northeastern American Indian since the 17th century as a currency. It is also a
symbol of wealth and power and was used to sanctify marriage vows. A piece of handcrafted
Navajo jewelry with Wampum shell is a truly Native American piece of jewelry for you to
enjoy.
Silver Sun 656 Canyon Road Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 800/562-2036
Email: info@silversun-sf.com