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AGATE Silicon Dioxide SiO Hardness 7 |
| Agate is made of microscopic quartz crystals. Fortification agate has
straight or concentric bands of color. Other types, such as
moss agate and montana agate, have wispy inclusions. See quartz.
Agate has been known since ancient times. It was supposed to bring
prudence and caution, also strength and victory in battle. |
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AMETHYST Silicon Dioxide SiO Hardness 7 |
| Amethyst is a purple shade of quartz crystal. The
name comes from the Greek "amethustos" meaning "not
drunken". It was believed that amethyst wearers could not become
intoxicated. |
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AVENTURINE Silicon Dioxide SiO Hardness 7 |
| Aventurine consists of interlocked grains of quartz
with mica. The green color is caused by chrome rich mica. The
mica flakes are oriented in parallel giving it a sparkling sheen.
India is the primary source of Aventurine. |
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BLACK ONYX Silicon Dioxide Sio Hardness 7 |
| Black onyx is dyed chalcedony. See quartz. |
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BLOOD STONE Silicon Dioxide SiO Hardness 7 |
| Bloodstone is a dark green chalcedony composed of
microscopic quartz crystals, with iron minerals causing the
red spots. It is also called heliotrope, from the Greek
"helio" (sun) and "trepein" (turning). |
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CARNELIAN Silicon Dioxide SiO Hardness 7 |
| Carnelian is a form of chalcedony,
a stone composed of microscopic quartz crystals. Its color comes from the presence
of iron. The old spelling was "cornelian" from the Latin "cornum".
It was very popular in ancient Egypt and among the Mohammedans. It is worn today in the
Near East for good luck. It was useful for seals as wax does not adhere to polished
carnelian. It comes from Brazil, India, Uruguay and California. |
