GEM STONES

Listing description Agate (pronounced /ˈæ ɡə t/ ) is a microcrystalline variety of quartz ( silica ), chiefly chalcedony , characterised by its fineness of grain and brightness of color. Although agates may be found in various kinds of rock, they are classically associated with volcanic rocks but can be common in certain metamorphic rocks . [1] Detailed description Etymology and history The stone was given its name by Theophrastus , a Greek philosopher and naturalist, who discovered the stone along the shore line of the river Achates ( Greek : Ἀχάτης ) sometime between the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. [2] Colorful agates and other chalcedonies were obtained over 3,000 years ago from the Achates River, now called Dirillo , in Sicily . [3] Ancient use Agate is one of the most common materials used in the art of hardstone carving , and has been recovered at a number of ancient sites, indicating its widespread use in the ancient world; for example, archaeological recovery a...

Listing description Moss agate  (also called  mocha stone ) is a  semi-precious   gemstone  formed from  silicon dioxide . It is a form of  chalcedony  which includes  minerals  of a green colour embedded in the stone, forming filaments and other patterns suggestive of  moss . [1]  The field is a clear or milky-white  quartz , and the included minerals are mainly  oxides  of  manganese  or  iron . It is not a true form of  agate , as it lacks agate's defining feature of concentric banding. Moss agate is of the white variety with green inclusions that resemble moss. It occurs in many locations. The colors are formed due to trace amounts of metal present as an impurity, such as chrome or iron. The metals can make different colors depending on their valence (oxidation state). Detailed description Despite its name, moss agate does not contain  organic matter  and is usually forme...

Listing description Amber (or, technically, resinite ) is fossilized tree resin (not sap ), which has been appreciated for its color and natural organic beauty since Neolithic times.Amber is used as an ingredient in perfumes, as a healing agent in folk medicine, and as jewelry. There are five classes of amber, defined on the basis of their chemical constituents. Because it originates as a soft, sticky tree resin, amber sometimes contains animal and plant material as inclusions . Detailed description The English word amber derives from the Arabic ' anbar , via Medieval Latin ambar and Old French ambre . The word originally referred to a precious oil derived from the Sperm whale (now called ambergris ). The sense was extended to fossil resin circa 1400, and this became the main sense as the use of ambergris waned. The two substances were confused because they both were found washed up on beaches. Ambergris is lighter than water and floats; whereas amber is lighter ...