Minerology

In the Minerology Collection, we have the really serious stuff!  These will be samples of stones in their almost raw state, incorporated into a necklace or other jewelry design.  Rocks and Minerals are such a fascinating subject, and I often wish I had become a minerologist!

We discussed how agates are formed under Desert Wind, but what about Labradorite, or Amazonite, Hematite, Lapis Lazuli, and Turquoise?  Plus other members of the Quartz family, such as Tiger's Eye, Carnelian, and Jasper, to name a few?

All gemstones are made of minerals, mostly inorganic.  The hardness of the stone is the main quality that determines its value.  For example, diamonds have a hardness of 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.  Next, with a hardness of 9 are the corundum family (aluminum oxide), including sapphire and ruby.  In the range of 8 we find topaz, beryl, emerald, and zirconia.  It is in the range of 7 and below that we find the semi-precious gemstones, which are the type we are more likely to carry at Style ARThouse.  They are not as expensive, but still very beautiful and interesting, such as all the different varieties of agate, which falls in the 6.5-7.0 range.  These stones, such as amethyst, are still hard enough to resist scratching and maintain sharp crystal faces.  So much to think about!